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GENERAL  TAYLOR, 


GENEEAL  TAYLOE 

AND 

HIS  STAFF: 

COMPPvISING 

MEMOIRS  OF  GENERALS 


TAYLOR,  WORTH,  WOOL,  AND  BUTLER: 


COLONELS  MAY,  CROSS,  CLAY, 
HARDIN,  YELL,  HAYS, 

AND 


OTHER  DISTINGUISHED  OFFICERS  ATTACHED  TO  GENERAL  TAYLOR'S  ARMY; 

INTERSPEFvSED  WITH 

NUMEROUS  ANECDOTES  OF  THE  MEXICAN  WAR, 

AND 

PERSONAL  ADVENTURES  OF  THE  OFFICERS. 


COMPILED  FROM  PUBLIC  DOCUMENTS  AND  PRIVATE  CORRESPONDENCE 


WITH 

ACCURATE  PORTRAITS,  AND  OTHER  BEAUTIFUL  ILLUSTRATIONS. 


PHILADELPHIA: 


LIPPINGOTT,  GEAMBO  & CO., 

SUCCESSORS  TO  GRIGG,  ELLIOT  & CO., 

No.  14,  NORTH  FOURTH  STREET. 

..  18  51. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1848,  by 

GRIGG,  ELLIOT  & CO. 

in  the  clerk’s  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the 
Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


STEREOTYPED  BY  J.  FAOAN. 


PRINTED  BY  T.  K.  AND  P.  G.  COLLINS. 

(2)  \ 
vO  I 

cr  o 


Project 


‘(73.  C 

Til  -t 


PREFACE. 


If  the  Hero  of  Buena  Vista  nobly  commenced 
the  present  war  with  Mexico,  the  Hero  of  Chip- 
pewa has  not  less  nobly  completed  the  second 
Conquest  of  Mexico.  General  Scott  and  his  splendid 
army  have  “ won  golden  opinions  of  all  sorts  of 
men.”  They  have  displayed  all  the  best  qualities 
of  commanders  and  soldiers.  They  have  carried 
on  sieges  and  captured  cities  which  were  considered 
impregnable,  with  a force  apparently  hardly  adequate 
for  a forlorn  hop^  They  have  fought  pitched 
battles  and  won  them,  opposing  fresh  recruits  to 
veteran  troops.  They  have  accomplished  marches 
over  routes  before  considered  utterly  impassible; 
captured  fortresses  bristling  with  cannon,  by  means 
of  the  rifle  and  bayonet;  and  planted  the  star- 
spangled  banner  upon  the  proud  “ Halls  of  Monte- 
zuma.” 


(iii) 


IV 


PREFACE. 


General  Taylor  and  his  noble  army  having  been 
instrumental  in  first  developing  these  facts  and  this 
principle,  during  the  present  war,  it  becomes  an  in- 
teresting matter  to  follow  out  all  their  splendid  actions 
in  detail,  and  to  learn  the  real  characters  of  the  actors 
themselves.  The  following  series  of  lives  has  been 
compiled  from  authentic  materials,  with  a view  to 
satisfy  the  public  curiosity  on  this  important  subject. 
The  author  has  endeavoured  to  do  justice  to  the 
officers  and  men,  so  far  as  the  materials  at  his  com- 
mand enabled  him  to  accomplish  the  object ; ^and  he 
trusts  that  any  errors  or  inadvertencies  which  may 
have  involuntarily  been  committed  by  him  in  so 
serious  an  undertaking,  may  have  the  reader’s  candid 
indulgence. 


Philadelphia,  Jan.  1,  1848. 


CONTENTS. 

MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR Page  11 

MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH 90 

BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL 125 

MAJOR  RINGGOLD 174 

CAPTAIN  WALKER 179 

CAPTAIN  M’CULLOCH 196 

COLONEL  HAYS 206 

MAJOR  TWIGGS 212 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MAY 217 

COLONEL  CROSS 222 

COLONEL  HARDIN 225 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HENRY  CLAY 231 

COLONEL  YELL 233 

MAJOR  BROWN 235 

MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  O.  BUTLER 238 

LIEUTENANT  J.  E.  BLAKE 243 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WATSON 245 

CAPTAIN  R.  A.  GILLESPIE 249 

CAPTAIN  RANDOLPH  RIDGELY 251 

1*  a2  (5) 


VI 


CONTENTS 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  BRAGG 253 

MAJOR  BLISS,  ASSISTANT  ADJUTANT-GENERAL 256 

MAJOR  EATON 256 

CAPTAIN  GARNETT 257 

COLONEL  BELKNAP 257 

COLONEL  MUNROE  258 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MANSFIELD 258 

CAPTAIN  RAMSAY 259 

CAPTAIN  SHERMAN 259 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WHITING 260 

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  DUNCAN 261 

CAPTAIN  O’BRIEN 261 

COLONEL  CROGHAN ..jC 264 

CAPTAIN  LINCOLN 266 

'MAJOR-GENERAL  GAINES 268 

COLONEL  JEFFERSON  DAVIS 271 

CAPTAIN  HENRIE 273 

GENERAL  TAYLOR’S  RECEPTION  AT  NEW  ORLEANS.  275 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 

The  early  history  of  a man,  educated  amid  the  wilds  of  Ken- 
tucky, while  that  territory  was  yet  in  possession  of  the  Indians, 
must  necessarily  be  a narrative  of  the  most  thrilling  interest.  The 
first  settlers  of  that  state  passed  through  trials  which  the  American 
of  a more  modern  date  can  but  feebly  appreciate.  Swarming  with 
tribes  of  Indians,  hostile  to  the  Union  and  to  each  other,  scenes  were 
there  daily  enacted  of  the  most  appalling  character;  burnings, 
scalpings,  and  massacres,  were  of  nightly  occurrence ; and  often  as 
the  disheartened  few  of  one  settlement  retired  from  daily  toil,  they 
beheld,  far  in  the  distance,  the  lurid  column  that  announced  the 
ruin  of  another. 

Unfortunately,  the  traditional  records  of  this  stirring  and  eventful 
period  have,  in  the  course  of  ages,  died  away ; the  blasted  hopes, 
the  fierce  struggles,  and  tragic  fate,  of  the  early  settlers,  have  been 
buried  in  the  same  deep  grave  with  their  perpetrators.  The  Indian 
and  his  victim  have  not  only  ceased  to  strive,  but  have  descended 
into  one  common  oblivion. 

For  this  reason,  the  most  rigid  investigation  has  failed  to  discover 
much  concerning  the  early  life  of  General  Taylor.  Even  the  year 
of  his  birth  has  been  a matter  of  dispute.  His  father  was  Mr. 
Richard  Taylor,  of  whom  little  is  known,  except  that  he  was  born 
in  Virginia,  [March  22d,  1744,]  explored  Kentucky  when  a young 
man,  was  a colonel  in  the  Revolution,  and  had  five  sons  and  three 
daughters.  His  third  son,  Zachary  Taylor,  was  born  [November 
24th,  1784]  in  Orange  county.  In  the  following  summer.  Colonel 
Taylor  emigrated  to  Kentucky,  arriving  there  but  ten  years  after  the 
arst  settlement,  and  within  a short  time  after  his  brother  Hancock 
nad  been  murdered  by  the  Indians.  Here  he  founded  his  perma- 
nent abode,  and  here  the  subject  of  our  biography,  received  his 
A*  (11) 


12 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


boyish  impressions.  The  estate  was  in  Jefferson  county,  two  miles 
from  the  Ohio  river,  and  five  from  Lexington.  As  the  latter  in- 
creased in  size  and  population,  the  fortunes  and  importance  of 
Richard  Taylor  grew  with  it.  He  received  from  President  Wash- 
ington a commission  as  collector  of  that  port,  and  was  honoured,  in 
many  ways,  by  the  neighbouring  settlers. 

Zachary  Taylor  was  early  placed  at  school,  under  the  direction 
of  Mr.  Elisha  Ayres,  of  Cownecticut..  'After  remaining  there  some 
years,  he  adopted  the  profession  t)f^'his  father,  working  constantly  on 
the  estate,  and  laying  the  foundation  of  that  constitution,  which  has 
subsequently  borne  the  test  of  trying  duty,  rough  fare,  and  every 
variety  of  climate,  during  a military  life  of  thirty-five  years.  While 
in  this  employment,  the  movements  of  Aaron  Burr  began  to  excite 
alarm,  and  Zachary  joined  a volunteer  company,  of  his  native  state, 
raised  to  oppose  the  supposed  treasonable  designs  of  that  individual. 
When  the  excitement  had  subsided,  he  returned  to  the  cultivation 
of  the  farm,  in  which  occupation  he  continued  until  the  de^th  of  his 
brother.  Lieutenant  Taylor.  As  this  person  had  been  in  the  national 
service,  his  death  afforded  Zachary  an  opportunity  to  enter  the  army. 
Accordingly,  through  the  influence  of  friends,  among  whom  was 
Mr.  James  Madison,  he  received  a commission  as  first  lieutenant  in 
the  7th  U.  S.  infantry  regiment.  May  3d,  1808. 

Being  now  in  a profession  which  suited  the  daring  aspirations  of 
his  genius,  Taylor  appears  to  have  conducted  himself  in  a manner 
that  gave  high  hopes  of  a future  brilliant  career.  He  assiduously 
studied  the  best  treatises  on  military  science ; and  during  the  whole 
of  our  dispute  with  the  European  powers,  previous  to  the  war  of 
1812,  he  watched  its  progress  with  intense  interest.  To  the  national 
difiiculties  were  soon  added  others,  which  for  a long  while  threat- 
ened nothing  less  than  the  complete  extirpation  of  all  the  western 
settlements.  These  were  the  league  of  the  border  Indians,  under 
Tecumseh  and  the  Prophet,  one  of  the  most  powerful  and  well  con- 
certed of  all  the  numerous  combinations  formed  by  the  savages 
against  the  United  States. 

At  this  time.  General  W.  H.  Harrison  was  governor  of  the  North- 
western Territory.  Having  received  orders  to  march  into  the 
Indian  country,  he  moved  rapidly,  with  a small  army,  to  the 
stations  designated,  erecting  forts,  at  convenient  places,  on  his 
march.  One  of  these,  built  on  the  W abash,  in  the  very  heart  of 


DEFENCE  OF  FORT  HARRISON.  13 

the  Indian  country,  was  provided  with  two  block-houses,  stockade 
works,  and  a few  buildings  for  stores  or  magazines.  In  honour  of 
the  governor,  it  w^as  subsequently  called  Fort  Harrison.  Appa- 
rently insignificant  as  was  this  small  defence,  it  afterwards  laid  the 
foundation  of  General  Taylor’s  military  reputation. 

In  1810,  Lieutenant  Taylor  married ; but  was  not  permitted  to 
sit  down  in  the  enjoyment  of  domestic  felicity.  Hurried  away  in 
the  following  year  to  tKe  seat  of  contention,  he  left  his  young  wife 
and  child,  and  for  a whole  year  was  prevented  from  seeing  them. 
For  a long  while  no  tidings  were  heard  of  him  by  his  family;  and 
It  was  believed  that  he  had  fallen  a victim  to  his  perilous  service. 
So  ably,  however,  did  he  acquit  himself,  that  in  the  beginning  of 
1812  he  was  rewarded  with  a captain’s  commission  from  President 
Madison.  Accompanying  the  commission  was  an  appointment  as 
commander  of  Fort  Harrison.  Very  soon  after.  Congress  declared 
war  against  Great  Britain ; and  Taylor  was  thus  thrown  into  the 
front  of  hostile  operations. 

Captain  Taylor  had  not  been  long  in  his  new  station,  when  he 
perceived  unmistakable  signs,  that  his  every  energy  would  soon  be 
called  into  requisition  to  defend  it.  On  the  3d  of  September,  the 
report  of  fire-arms  was  heard  near  the  fort,  in  a direction  where  two 
young  men  were  making  hay.  Next  day  their  bodies  were  found 
scalped  and  mangled,  a circumstance  which  left  no  room  to  doubt 
that  an  attack  upon  the  fort  would  soon  be  made.  Accordingly, 
Captain  Taylor  increased  his  vigilance,  and  made  every  effort  for 
defence  compatible  ^vith  his  limited  means.  Only  sixteen  men 
were  fit  for  duty,  while  more  than  thirty  were  disabled  by  sickness. 
He  himself  was  debilitated,  by  recent  fever,  brought  on  by  exces- 
sive fatigue.  Besides  these  discouraging  circumstances,  the  fort 
contained  several  women,  wives  of  the  soldiers,  who  would  be 
greatly  exposed  in  case  of  attack. 

On  the  evening  of  the  4th,  a number  of  Indians  arrived  before 
the  enclosure,  begging  provisions,  and  requesting  admittance.  The 
commandant  gave  them  something  to  eat,  but  refused  to  open  the 
fort.  Suspecting  stratagem,  he  examined  all  the  arms,  served  six 
rounds  of  ammunition  to  each  man,  and  made  such  other  disposi- 
tions of  his  meagre  resources,  as  would  enable  him  to  guard  acrainst 
surprise,  and  sustain  an  assault.  His  force  was  so  small,  that  a 
sufficient  number  of  sentinels  could  not  be  posted  to  protect  the 


14 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


whole  extent  of  the  outworks,  so  that  the  officer  of  the  guard  was 
ordered  to  make  the  tour  of  the  inside  through  the  night. 

Overcome  by  fatigue,  the  Captain  now  retired  to  rest,  ordering 
his  soldiers  to  arouse  on  the  slightest  appearance  of  the  enemy. 
For  a little  while  he  was  permitted  torest,  and  no  sound  interrupted 
the  death-like  stillness,  save  the  dull  tread  of  the  officer  on  guard. 
Suddenly,  about  midnight,  the  report  of  a sentry-gun  broke  through 
the  air.  Taylor  sprang  from  his  couch,  and  rushed  into  the  fort. 
The  Indians  were  upon  them.  Scarcely  had  the  sentinels  time  to 
save  themselves,  when  a cry  of  fire  rang  terribly  through  the  air, 
and  with  horror  the  Captain  saw  flames’  leaping  out  from  his  lower 
block-house,  the  point  at  which  the  savages  were  attacking.  Now 
the  fearful  truth  flashed  over  his  mind — they  were  to  choose  be- 
tween the  fire  and  the  tomahawk.  Every  soldier  became  paralyzed ; 
some  dropped  their  arms,  others  hurried  to  and  fro  in  wild  disorder, 
others  wept  like  children. ^ The  women  ran  among  them  screaming 
for  help  ; two  men  leaped  the  pickets  in  despair.  The  flames  com- 
municated with  some  whiskey,  shooting  up  in  blue  glaring  columns, 
sparkling  and  roaring  toward  heaven.  Lit  up  by  the  blaze,  the 
faces  of  the  savages  seenied  like  those  of  demons,  while  their  dim 
forms,  shrouded  in  fire  and  smoke,  lent  an  air  of  indescribable 
horror  to  all  the  scene.  The  fearful  darkness  increased  the  embar- 
rassments of  the  garrison,  since  they  knew  not  on  what  side  they 
might  receive  another  attack.  “The  raging  of  the  fire,”  says 
Taylor  himself — “the  yelling  and  howling  of  several  hundred  In- 
dians— the  cries  of  nine  women  and  children,  and  a desponding  of 
so  many  men — made  my  feelings  very  unpleasant.” 

But  amid  all  this  clamour,  the  self-possession  of  the  young  com- 
mandant never  forsook  him.  Although  the  Indians  had  almost 
gained  the  fort,  and  utter  destruction  appeared  inevitable,  yet  still 
he  possessed  so  much  influence  over  the  men  as  to  restore  them  to 
order  and  duty.  “ I saw,  [says  his  official  report,]  by  throwing  off 
part  of  the  roof  that  joined  the  block-house  that  was  on  fire,  and 
keeping  the  end  perfectly  wet,  the  whole  row  of  buildings  might 
be  saved,  and  leave  only  an  entrance  of  eighteen  or  twenty  feet  for 
the  Indians  to  enter  after  the  house  was  consumed  ; and  that  a tem- 
porary breastwork  might  be  formed  to  prevent  their  entering  even 
there.  I convinced  the  men  that  this  could  be  accomplished,  and 
it  appeared  to  inspire  them  with  new  life ; and  never  did  men  act 


DEFENCE  OF  FORT  HARRISON. 


15 


with  more  firmness  or  desperation.  Those  that  were  able  (while 
others  kept  up  a constant  fire  from  the  upper  block-house  and  the 
two  bastions)  mounted  the  roofs  of  the  houses,  with  Dr.  Clark  at 
their  head,  under  a shower  of  balls,  and  in  less  than  a moment  threw 
off  as  much  of  the  roof  as  was  necessary.  This  was  done  with  one 
man  killed,  and  two  wounded,  and  I am  in  hopes  neither  of  them 
dangerously.  Although  the  barracks  were  several  times  in  a blaze, 
and  an  immense  quantity  of  fire  against  them,  the  men  used  such 
exertion  that  they  kept  it  under,  and  before  day  raised  a temporary 
breastwork  as  high  as  a man’s  head.  Although  the  Indians  con- 
tinued to  pour  in  a heavy  fire  of  ball,  and  an  innumerable  quantity 
of  arrows,  during  the  whole  time  the  attack  lasted,  in  every  part  of 
the  parade,  I had  but  one  other  man  killed,  (nor  any  other  wounded 
inside  the  fort,)  and  he  lost  his  life  by  being  too  anxious.  He  got 
into  one  of  the  gallies  in  the  bastions,  and  fired  over  the  pickets,  and 
called  out  to  his  comrades  that  he  had  killed  an  Indian.  Neglecting 
to  stoop  down  in  an  instant,  he  was  shot.” 

The  battle  lasted  with  uninterrupted  fury  for  seven  hours.  The 
approach  of  daylight  enabled  the  Americans  to  take  sure  aim  at 
their  enemy,  who,  in  consequence,  began  to  suffer  severely.  About 
six  o’clock  the  assailants  retired  from  the  fort,  and  furious  from  their 
repulse,  shot  all  the  horses  and  hogs  within  reach,  and  drove  off  all 
the  cattle. 

About  an  hour  before  daylight  one  of  the  deserters  returned,  and 
begged  for  God’s  sake  to  be  admitted.  His  voice  not  being  recog- 
nized, he  was  fired  upon ; but  on  running  to  another  part  of  the 
fort,  he  made  himself  known  to  Dr.  Clark,  and  was  directed  to  lie 
quiet  until  morning.  When  admitted,  his  arm  was  found  broken 
in  a shocking  manner,  and  he  had  been  otherwise  maltreated  by  the 
savages.  His  companion  had  been  caught  and  hacked  to  pieces. 
The  Indians  suffered  severely,  but  were  sufficiently  numerous  to 
carry  off  all  their  dead. 

The  noble  defence  of  Fort  Harrison  produced  the  most  beneficial 
effects  throughout  the  western  country.  That  a handful  of  men 
should  repulse  a host  of  four  hundred  assailants,  astonished  and  dis- 
comfited the  savages,  and  materially  altered  their  views  and  plans, 
respecting  future  operations.  They  had  confidently  anticipated  fol- 
lowing up  the  destruction  of  the  fort,  by  an  attack  upon  all  the  other 
defences  of  the  Indiana  territory,  as  an  execution  of  part  of  the 


16 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


scheme  entertained  by  Tecumseh  and  his  brother.  Their  repulse 
disconcerted  this  great  design,  created  divisions  among  the  tribes, 
and  probably  saved  the  settlers  from  a savage  and  exterminating 
warfare. 

Captain  Taylor  was  not  allowed  to  remain  unnoticed  by  govern- 
ment. On  his  return  from  an  expedition,  soon  after  the  4th  of  Sep- 
tember, he  received  a package  from  government,  containing  official 
thanks  for  his  good  conduct  and  services,  together  with  a commission 
as  brevet-major  in  the  United  States’  service. 

The  remainder  of  the  war  of  1812,  afforded  Major  Taylor  no  op- 
portunity for  a further  display  of  his  talents  in  a separate  command  ; 
and  all  that  is  known  of  his  public  service  between  that  and  the 
Florida  war,  may  be  summed  up  in  a few  words.  When  peace 
returned,  he  was  unjustly  degraded  to  his  former  rank  of  captain ; 
and  feeling  the  injustice  of  such  a proceeding,  he  threw  up  his  com- 
mission and  returned  to  the  bosom  of  his  family.  Here  he  would 
probably  have  remained,  enjoying  the  company  of  those  so  dear  to 
him,  had  not  his  numerous  friends  exerted  themselves  strenuously 
in  his  behalf.  Their  efforts  were  successful,  and  in  1816  he  was 
restored  by  President  Madison  to  his  former  rank.  Being  ordered 
to  Green  Bay,  he  remained  at  that  station  for  two  years  ; after  which 
he  returned  to  his  family,  spent  a year  with  it,  and  then  joined 
Colonel  Russell  at  New  Orleans.  He  remained  in  the  south  for 
several  years,  during  which  time  he  performed  various  military 
duties,  and  built  Fort  Jesup.  In  1819  he  was  made  Lieutenant 
Colonel,  and,  in  1826,  appointed  a member  of  a Board  of  officers  of 
the  Army  and  Militia,  convened  by  Secretary  Barbour,  to  consider 
and  propose  a system  for  the  organization  and  improvement  of  the 
militia  of  the  United  States.  Of  this  board.  General  Scott  was  pre- 
sident. Its  report  was  presented  to  Congress  by  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Taylor,  and  approved  by  that  body ; but  owing  to  various  causes,  a 
bill,  founded  upon  it,  was  allowed  to  remain  so  long  with  the  com- 
mittee on  militia,  as  to  be  finally  forgotten'.  In  1832  he  was  pro- 
moted to  the  rank  of  Colonel.  Immediately  after,  he  was  employed 
in  the  expedition  against  Black  Hawk,  and  signalized  himself  by  his 
untiring  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  and  by  his  firmness  and  address  in 
compelling  the  volunteers  to  perform  their  duty.  He  was  then  en- 
trusted with  the  command  of  Fort  Crawford,  at  Prairie  du  Chien, 
where  he  remained  until  ordered  to  Florida. 

This  is  not  the  place  to  inquire  into  the  causes  or  merits  of  the 


THE  WAR  IN  FLORIDA. 


17 


Seminole  war  of  Florida.  It  owed  its  progress,  on  the  part  of  the 
Indians,  principally  to  the  efforts  of  Osceola,  a chief  whose  influence 
was  sufficient  to  drive  the  Indians  through  every  danger  and  trial. 
Prior  to  the  appointment  of  Taylor,  [1837,]  the  breaking  up  of  the 
interior  settlements,  the  massacre  of  the  gallant  Dade,  and  the  unfor- 
tunate issue  of  every  exertion,  had  produced  a powerful  effect 
throughout  the  country ; so  that  at  his  arrival  near  the  seat  of  war, 
dismay,  anxiety,  and  consternation  pervaded  all  classes.  Men  ap- 
peared paralyzed,  and  gazed  around  for  some  influence  to  reassure 
them.  It  had  been  confidently  anticipated,  that  the  removal  of  the 
Seminoles  to  the  west  would  be  unattended  with  any  opposition ; 
and  the  waking  up  of  this  false  dream — the  baffling  of  military  sci- 
ence and  senatorial  wisdom — the  utter  defiance  of  disciplined  armies, 
occasioned  much  disappointment  and  surprise. 

To  act  promptly  and  successfully  fin  such  intricate  perplexity, 
required  talents  of  no  ordinary  cast ; and  Colonel  Taylor  felt  the 
full  responsibility  of  his  new  situation.  In  December  he  received 
orders  to  seek  the  enemy  in  every  quarter,  to  give  battle,  and  de- 
stroy or  capture  his  forces ; and  in  conformity  thereto  he  left  Fort 
Gardner,  with  about  eleven  hundred  officers  and  men,  and  com- 
menced his  march  for  the  interior.  The  ground  over  which  he 
passed  presented  all  those  obstacles  which  had  baffled  so  many  for- 
mer expeditions.  A wet  and  soft  soil,  matted  with  rank  herbage, 
which  clogged  the  feet  at  every  step,  serving  as  an  impenetrable 
screen  to  a lurking  foe ; the  deep  slimy  beds,  and  waters  of  the 
streams ; the  dense  thickets  of  cypress,  palmetto,  and  the  luxuriant 
undergrowth;  — these  were  some  of  the  enemies  to  be  vanquished 
before  the  army  could  reach  the  Indians.  As  the  latter  had  antici- 
pated his  approach,  and  were  perfectly  familiar  with  the  labyrinths 
and  natural  fastnesses  of  their  own  country,  they  had  retired  to  one 
of  the  strongest  and  most  inaccessible  places,  and  prepared  to  give 
him  battle. 

On  the  25th  of  December  they  reached  a dense  swamp,  where 
the  enemy  were  reported  to  be  in  force.  Here  they  halted.  A few 
steps  more  might  bring  them  within  range  of  a hidden  foe ; that 
foe  might  be  on  every  side ; and  they,  about  to  share  the  fate  of 
Dade.  Yet,  led  on  by  Colonel  Taylor,  no  man  desponded.  The 
line  of  battle  was  formed,  and  those  brave  men  pushed  forward. 
To  charge  an  exposed  foe,  requires  coolness  and  intrepidity;  to 
2^ 


18 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR, 


charge  a protected  fort  is  the  test  of  veteran  abilities ; but  to  wade 
up  to  the  middle  in  a swamp,  where  the  rank  grass  is  waving  over 
head,  and  an  unseen  enemy  on  every  side,  implies  a degree  of  courage 
possessed  by  few.  Yet  this  duty  was  cheerfully  undertaken  by 
that  little  army.  Forgetting  all  danger,  only  eager  for  action,  the 
troops  hurried  forward  with  enthusiasm.  Having  proceeded  about 
a quarter  of  a mile,  they  entered  a wide  slough,  which  seemed  to 
forbid  all  further  progress.  Abandoning  their  horses,  the  troops 
buried  themselves  to  the  neck  in  the  grass,  wading  through  a four 
feet  depth  of  slime  and  water. 

Suddenly  the  rustling  of  grass  and  plash  of  water  were  drowned 
in  the  reports  of  hundreds  of  rifles.  The  savages  were  close  be- 
fore them,  having  reserved  their  fire  until  their  aim  would  be  cer- 
tain. There  was  a pause,  a shouting  of  orders,  and  then  the  men 
charged  fearlessly  on.  Then  another  volley,  and  one  officer  after 
another  sunk  down  pale  in  the  agonies  of  death.  All  around  was 
one  blaze  of  fire,  and  yet  no  foe  appeared.  Mowed  down  by  scores, 
their  intrepid  leaders  bleeding  on  every  side,  and  no  chance  of  re- 
sisting, the  front  line  faltered,  then  rolled  back  and  broke.  The 
Indians  poured  after  them,  yelling  the  war-whoop,  and  hurling  one 
discharge  after  another  on  the  fugitives,  until  they  met  the  regular 
troops.  Undismayed  by  aught  around,  these  heroic  men  were 
treading  on  as  coolly  as  though  on  parade.  Unflinchingly  their  bosoms 
met  the  blasting  discharges  of  the  savages,  and  sunk  amid  the 
tangled  grass,  dyeing  the  waving  blades  with  their  life-blood.  Havoc 
raged  among  the  6th  Infantry  to  such  a degree,  that  the  dark  cool 
water  beneath  them  grew  warm  and  red  with  their  blood,  and  every 
man  of  the  foremost  ranks  was  shot  down.  Their  leader,  the  heroic 
Thompson,  while  shouting  them  on,  received  a mortal  wound. 
Adjutant  Center,  Captain  Van  Swearinger,  and  Lieutenant  Brooke, 
found  graves  beside  him.  Of  five  companies  in  the  advance,  every 
inferior  officer  was  killed  or  disabled,  and  of  one,  only  four  men 
were  uninjured.  Still  the  battle  shout  went  up  echoing  and  break- 
ing among  those  romantic  glades  — still  peal  after  peal  of  rattling 
musketry  hurled  forth  the  torrents  of  death — and  still  mangled  and 
groaning,  high  bosoms  sunk  among  the  sedgy  reeds,  while  the  life- 
blood oozed  blacker  and  thicker  between  the  blades.  Amid  the 
horrors  of  that  awful  hour,  Taylor  was  rushing  from  rank  to  rank, 
exhorting  his  heroes  to  the  charge,  and  thrilling  every  heart  with 


BATTLE  OF  OKEECHOBEE. 


19 


enthusiasm.  Now  the  savages  broke  in  disorder ; then  they  paused, 
rallied,  and  rolled  back  on  their  pursuers  with  a fury  that  appeared 
irresistible.  Again  they  were  broken,  again  they  rallied,  till  the 
whole  swamp  seemed  to  boil  with  the  rapid  movements.  Onward, 
faster  and  firmer,  Taylor  led  his  shouting  heroes,  bearing  down  op- 
posing hosts,  and  sweeping  everything  before  them.  The  ground 
was  mashed  into  pools  beneath  their  feet,  and  the  foe  were  lying  in 
heaps  on  every  side. 

At  length  the  Indians  were  driven  from  their  position  to  their 
camp  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Okeechobee.  Here  their  flank  was 
turned  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Davenport,  and  immediately  after 
they  delivered  a final  volley  and  fled.  The  pursuit  was  continued 
until  night. 

The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  this  battle  was  fourteen  officers  and 
one  hundred  and  twenty-four  men ; that  of  the  Indians  was  not 
ascertained. 

To  the  same  master  spirit  that  gained  the  victory  at  Fort  Har- 
rison,  was  the  nation  indebted  for  this,  the  most  glorious  one  obtained 
during  the  Florida  war.  His  perfect  control  over  the  afiections  of 
his  soldiers,  together  with  his  conduct  during  the  battle,  secured  the 
victory ; while  his  tenderness  and  humanit}’'  to  the  wounded,  when 
the  excitement  of  passion  had  gone  by,  were  no  less  conspicuous. 
“As  soon  as  the  enemy  were  completely  broken,  [official  report  of 
Okeechobee,]  I turned  my  attention  to  taking  care  of  the  wounded, 
to  facilitate  their  removal  to  my  baggage,  where  I ordered  an  en- 
campment to  be  formed.  I directed  Captain  Taylor  to  cross  over 
to  the  spot,  and  employ  every  individual  whom  he  might  find  there, 
in  constructing  a small  footway  across  the  swamp.  This,  with  great 
exertions,  was  completed  in  a short  time  after  dark,  when  all  the 
dead  and  wounded  were  carried  over  in  litters  made  for  the  purpose, 
with  one  exception,  a private  of  the  4th  infantry,  who  was  killed 
and  could  not  be  found. 

“And  here  I trust  I may  be  permitted  to  say,  that  I experienced 
one  of  the  most  trying  scenes  of  my  life,  and  he  who  could  have 
looked  on  it  with  indifference,  his  nerves  must  have  been  differently 
organized  from  my  own.  Besides  the  killed,  there  lay  one  hundred 
and  twelve  wounded  officers  and  soldiers,  who  had  accompanied  me 
one  hundred  and  forty-five  miles,  most  of  the  way  through  an  un- 
explored wilderness,  without  guides,  who  had  so  gallantly  beaten 


20 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


the  enemy  under  my  orders  in  his  strongest  position,  and  who  had 
to  be  conveyed  back,  through  swamps  and  hammocks,  from  whence 
we  set  out,  without  any  apparent  means  of  doing  so.  This  service, 
however,  was  encountered  and  overcome,  and  they  have  been  con- 
veyed thus  far,  and  proceeded  on  to  Tampa  Bay  on  rude  litters  con- 
structed with  the  knife  and  axe  alone,  with  poles  and  dry  hides — 
the  latter  being  found  in  great  abundance  at  the  encampment  of  the 
hostiles.  The  litters  were  carried  on  the  backs  of  our  weak  and 
tottering  horses,  aided  by  the  residue  of  the  command,  with  more 
ease  and  comfort  to  the  sufferers  than  I could  have  supposed,  and 
with  as  much  as  they  could  have  been  in  ambulances  of  the  most 
improved  and  modern  construction.” 

The  consequences  of  the  battle  of  Okeechobee  are  described  by 
the  Colonel  himself,  as  follows  ; 

“ This  column  in  six  weeks  penetrated  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  into  the  enemy’s  country,  opened  roads,  and  constructed 
bridges  and  causeways,  when  necessary,  on  the  greater  portion  of 
the  route,  established  two  depots  and  the  necessary  defences  for  the 
same,  and  finally  overtook  and  beat  the  enemy  in  his  strongest  posi- 
tion. The  results  of  which  movement  and  battle  have  been,  the 
capture  of  thirty  of  the  hostiles,  the  coming  in  and  surrendering  of 
more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  Indians  and  negroes,  mostly  the 
former,  including  the  chiefs  On-la-too-gee,  Tus-ta-nug-gee,  and  other 
principal  men,  the  capturing  and  driving  out  of  the  country  six 
hundred  head  of  cattle,  upwards  of  one  hundred  head  of  horses, 
besides  obtaining  a thorough  knowledge  of  the  country  through 
which  we  operated,  a greater  portion  of  which  was  entirely  un- 
known, except  to  the  enemy.”  ^ 

In  any  other  country  than  Florida  the  battle  of  Okeechobee  wmuld 
have  terminated  the  war.  But  the  nature  of  the  soil  prevented  the 
transportation  of  the  necessary  supplies  to  an  army,  and  the  enemy 
were  consequently  enabled  to  recover  from  the  heavy  blow  and 
again  muster  their  strength  further  into  the  interior.  Still  this  did 
not  lessen  the  merit  of  Taylor  and  his  brave  associates,  nor  prevent 
the  due  meed  of  praise  bestowed  upon  them  by  a grateful  country. 
The  thanks  of  the  President  were  tendered  to  them  through  the 
Secretary  of  War,  and  soon  after  Taylor  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  brevet  brigadier-general.  In  the  April  following,  he  was  en- 
trusted with  the  chief  command  in  Florida,  General  Jesup  having 


TAYLOR  TRANSFERRED  TO  THE  RIO  GRANDE.  21 

been  permitted  to  resign.  He  was  instructed  as  before,  to  bring  on 
a general  action,  and  in  carrying  out  his  instructions  had  several 
skirmishes  with  the  Indians,  in  which  small  parties  were  captured 
or  voluntarily  surrendered.  But  they  could  never  again  be  brought 
to  a general  action,  and  were  always  ready,  after  every  short  season 
of  repose,  to  renew  against  the  defenceless  inhabitants  of  J,ie  fron- 
tier the  acts  of  barbarity  which  had  marked  their  first  hostilities. 
As  the  war  proceeded,  savage  cruelty  increased.  The  infant  was 
murdered  with  its  mother  as  it  hung  upon  her  breast.  Fathers 
were  shot  in  the  presence  of  their  families,  and  parents  and  children 
were  surprised  in  sleep  from  which  they  never  awoke.  The  stealthy 
red  man  would  break  upon  the  weary  labourer,  bury  the  hatchet 
in  his  brain,  fire  his  cottage,  and  depart  for  ever ; while  all  night 
that  flame  would  toss  and  burn  and  glare  among  the  wild  evergreens, 
furnishing  a picture  as  of  wild  fairy  land. 

Night  after  night,  through  the  stillness  of  nature.  General  Taylor 
was  forced  to  gaze  upon  these  scenes  with  the  bitter  reflection  that 
he  could  do  nothing  to  prevent  them  — that  although  the  wretched 
victims  were  shrieking  and  screaming  for  help,  he  could  afford  none. 

In  1840,  General  Taylor  requested  permission  to  retire  from 
Florida,  and  was  succeeded  by  General  Armistead.  His  resigna- 
tion was  not  the  introduction  to  tranquil  felicity  in  the  bosom  of  his 
family.  His  merits  had  become  known  and  were  appreciated  by 
government,  so  that  he  was  immediately  appointed  to  the  command 
of  the  first  military  department  in  the  south-west,  comprehending 
the  states  of  Alabama,  Arkansas,  Mississippi,  and  Louisiana.  His 
head-quarters  were  at  Fort  Jesup,  from  which  he  was  subsequently 
ordered  to  Fort  Gibson  to  relieve  General  Arbuckle.  Here  he  re- 
mained until  the  commencement  of  the  present  Mexican  war. 

In  May  1845,  the  general  received  a confidential  letter  from  the 
Secretary  of  War,  instructing  him  to  place  his  troops  at  such  a posi- 
tion as  would  enable  him  to  defend  the  Territory  of  Texas  in  case 
of  invasion  from  Mexico.  This  was  immediately  after  the  passage 
in  our  Congress  of  the  act  constituting  the  former  country  a part  of 
the  United  States  — an  act  resented  by  Mexico  not  only  as  a viola- 
tion of  the  law  of  nations,  but  as  projected  for  the  sole  purpose  of 
depriving  her  of  a large  portion  of  her  dominion.  A subsequent 
letter  from  the  war  department  contained  the  following  additional 
instructions  : 


22 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


“ Should  Mexico  assemble  a large  body  of  troops  on  the  Rio 
Grande,  and  cross  it  with  a considerable  force,  such  a movement 
must  be  regarded  as  an  invasion  of  the  United  States  and  the  com- 
mencement of  hostilities.  You  will  of  course  use  all  the  authority 
which  has  been  or  may  be  given  you  to  meet  such  a state  of  things. 
Texas  must  be  protected  from  hostile  invasion,  and  for  that  purpose 
you  will  of  course  employ,  to  the  utmost  extent,  ail  the  means  you 
possess  or  can  command.” 

Agreeably  to  these  instructions  General  Taylor  took  a position  at 
Corpus  Christi,  where  he  remained  until  March  8th,  1846,  when  the 
advance  of  the  army  commenced  its  march  for  the  Rio  Grande.  On 
the  three  ensuing  days  the  brigades  of  infantry  followed.  The 
siege  train  and  a field  battery  were  sent  by  water  to  Point  Isabel, 
with  a corps  of  engineers  and  the  officers  of  ordnance  under  the 
command  of  Major  Monroe.  At  the  Arroya  Colorado,  the  troops 
encountered  a body  of  Mexicans,  who  seemed  disposed  to  dispute 
their  passage.  This,  however,  was  not  attempted,  and  the  Ameri- 
cans pushed  forward  until  met  by  a deputation  from  Point  Isabel, 
protesting  against  their  march.  The  result  of  the  conference,  to- 
gether with  the  capture  of  Point  Isabel,  are  thus  described  by  Ge- 
neral Taylor : 

“ Our  column  was  approached  by  a party  on  its  right  flank,  bear- 
ing a white  flag.  It  proved  to  be  a civil  deputation  from  Matamoras, 
desiring  an  interview  with  me.  I informed  them  that  I would  halt 
at  the  first  suitable  place  on  the  road,  and  afford  them  the  desired 
interview.  It  was,  however,  found  necessary,  for  the  want  of  water, 
to  continue  the  route  to  this  place.  The  deputation  halted,  while 
yet  some  miles  from  Point  Isabel,  declining  to  come  further,  and 
sent  me  a formal  protest  of  the  prefect  of  the  northern  district  of 
Tamaulipas  against  our  occupation  of  the  country. 

“At  this  moment  it  was  discovered  that  the  buildings  at  Point 
Isabel  were  in  flames.  I then  informed  the  bearer  of  the  protest, 
that  I should  answer  it  when  opposite  Matamoras,  and  dismissed  the 
deputation.  I considered  the  conflagration  before  my  eyes  as  a de- 
cided evidence  of  hostility,  and  was  not  willing  to  be  trifled  with 
nny  longer,  particularly  as  I had  reason  to  believe  that  the  prefect, 
in  making  this  protest,  was  but  a tool  of  the  military  authorities  at 
Matamoras. 

“ The  advance  of  the  cavalry  fortunately  arrived  here  in  season  to 


ampudia’s  letter. 


23 


arrest  the  fire,  which  consumed  hut  three  or  four  houses.  The  port 
captain  who  committed  the  act,  under  the  orders  it  is  said  of  Gene- 
ral Mejia,  had  made  his  escape  before  its  arrival.  We  found  two 
or  three  inoffensive  Mexicans  here,  the  rest  having  left  for  Mata- 
moras.” 

Without  receiving  further  interruption,  the  army  pursued  its 
march,  and  on  the  28th  of  March  planted  the  national  flag  on  the 
banks  of  the  Rio  Grande,  opposite  Matamoras.  Fortifications  were 
immediately  commenced,  and  soon  a fort  was  erected,  furnished  with 
six  bastions,  and  capable  of  containing  two  thousand  men.  On  the 
other  side,  the  Mexicans  also  commenced  batteries  and  redoubts, 
both  parties  assuming  the  attitude  of  belligerents. 

On  the  10th  of  April,  the  first  American  blood  was  shed  by 
Mexican  hostility.  The  victim  was  Colonel  Cross,  deputy  quarter- 
master general.  According  to  custom,  he  rode  out  in  the  morning 
to  take  exercise,  and  appears  to  have  been  attacked  by  some  law- 
less rancheroes,  murdered  and  stripped.  His  body  was  not  re- 
covered until  the  20th,  when  it  was  honoured  by  a funeral  becoming 
the  colonel’s  rank  and  character. 

In  th.e^early  part  of  the  month  an  ingenious  attempt  was  made 
by  the  Mexican  general  Ampudia,  to  cause  desertion  among  the 
foreign-born  members  of  our  army,  by  means  of  an  exciting  pam- 
phlet circulated  among  them.  Some  desertions  took  place,  but  in 
general  the  appeal  was  treated  with  scorn  and  indignation,  as  every 
such  attempt  deserves  to  be  treated. 

General  Ampudia  arrived  in  Matamoras  on  the  11th,  and  accord- 
ing to  expectation,  entered  at  once  upon  active  measures  for  the  ex- 
pulsion of  the  American  army  from  Texas.  His  letter  of  April 
12th,  concludes  in  the  following  strain : 

“ By  explicit  and  definite  orders  of  my  government,  which  neither 
can,  will,  nor  should  receive  new  outrages,  I require  you  in  all  form, 
and  at  latest  in  the  peremptory  term  of  twenty-four  hours,  to  break 
up  your  camp,  and  retire  to  the  other  bank  of  the  Neuces  river, 
while  our  governments  are  regulating  the  pending  question  in  rela- 
tion to  Texas.  If  you  insist  on  remaining  upon  .he  soil  of  the 
department  of  Tarnaulipas,  it  will  clearly  result  that  arms  and  arms 
alone  must  decide  the  question ; and  in  that  case  I advise  you  that 
we  accept  the  war  to  which,  with  so  much  injustice  on  your  part, 
you  provoke  us ; and  that,  on  our  part,  this  war  shall  be  conducted 


24 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


conformably  to  the  principles  established  by  the  most  civilized  na- 
tions— trusting  that  on  your  part  the  same  will  be  observed.” 

In  reply  to  this  letter  General  Taylor  reminded  Ampudia  that  he 
was  acting  under  superior  instructions,  and  consequently  could  not 
recede  from  the  position.  The  fortifications  were  continued  and 
every  precaution  made  to  guard  against  surprise,  and  to  resist  an 
attack.  Soon  after,  two  ships,  with  supplies  for  the  Mexican  army, 
were  forbid  entering  the  river,  and  the  Rio  Grande  declared  in  a 
state  of  blockade. 

Taylor’s  letter  on  this  occasion  is  characteristic.  It  is  as  follows : 

Head-Quarters  Army  of  Occupatior", 
Camp  near  Matamoras,  Texas,  April  22,  1846.  5 

Sir  : I have  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  communication  of 
this  date,  in  which  you  complain  of  certain  measures  adopted  by 
my  orders  to  close  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Bravo  against  vessels  bound 
to  Matamoras,  and  in  which  you  also  advert  to  the  case  of  two 
Mexicans  supposed  to  be  detained  as  prisoners  in  this  camp. 

After  all  that  has  passed  since  the  American  army  first  approached 
the  Rio  Bravo,  I am  certainly  surprised  that  you  should  complain 
of  a measure  which  is  no  other  than  a natural  result  of  the  state 
of  war  so  much  insisted  upon  by  the  Mexican  authorities  as  actu- 
ally existing  at  this  time.  You  will  excuse  me  for  recalling  a few 
circumstances  to  show  that  this  state  of  war  has  not  been  sought  by 
the  American  army,  but  has  been  forced  upon  it,  and  that  the  exer- 
cise of  the  rights  incident  to  such  a state  cannot  be  made  a subject 
of  complaint. 

On  breaking  up  my  camp  at  Corpus  Christi,  and  moving  forward 
with  the  army  under  my  orders  to  occupy  the  left  bank  of  the  Rio 
Bravo,  it  was  my  earnest  desire  to  execute  my  instructions  in  a 
pacific  manner;  to  observe  the  utmost  regard  for  the  personal  rights 
of  all  citizens  residing  on  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  and  to  take 
care  that  the  religion  and  customs  of  the  people  should  suffer  no 
violation.  With  this  view,  and  to  quiet  the  minds  of  the  inhabit- 
ants, I issued  orders  to  the  army,  enjoining  a strict  observance  of 
the  rights  and  interests  of  all  Mexicans  residing  on  the  river,  and 
caused  said  orders  to  be  translated  into  Spanish,  and  circulated  in 
the  several  towns  on  the  Bravo.  These  orders  announced  the 
spirit  in  which  we  proposed  to  occupy  the  country,  and  I am  proud 
to  say  that  up  to  this  moment  the  same  spirit  has  controlled  the  ope- 
rations of  the  army.  On  reaching  the  Arroyo  Colorado  I was  in- 


TAYLOR’S  LETTER  TO  AMPUDIA.  25 

formed  by  a Mexican  officer  that  the  order  in  question  had  been 
f-eceived  in  Mataraoras ; but  was  told  at  the  same  time  that  if  I 
attempted  to  cross  the  river  it  would  be  regarded  as  a declaration  of 
war.  Again,  on  my  march  to  Frontone  I was  met  by  a deputation 
of  the  civil  authorities  of  Matamoras,  protesting  against  my  occu- 
pation of  a portion  of  the  department  of  Tamaulipas,  and  declaring 
that  if  the  army  was  not  at  once  withdrawn,  war  would  result. 
While  this  communication  was  in  my  hands,  it  was  discovered  that 
the  village  of  Frontone  had  been  set  on  fire  and  abandoned.  I 
viewed  this  as  a direct  act  of  war,  and  informed  the  deputation  that 
their  communication  would  be  answered  by  me  when  opposite 
Matamoras,  which  was  done  in  respectful  terms.  On  reaching  the 
river  I despatched  an  officer,  high  in  rank,  to  convey  to  the  com- 
manding general  in  Matamoras  the  expression  of  my  desire  for 
amicable  relations,  and  my  willingness  to  leave  open  to  the  use  of 
the  citizens  of  Matamoras  the  port  of  Brazos  Santiago  until  the 
question  of  boundary  should  be  definitively  settled.  This  officer 
received  for  reply,  from  the  officer  selected  to  confer  with  him,  that 
my  advance  to  the  Rio  Bravo  was  considered  as  a veritable  act  of 
war,  and  he  was  absolutely  refused  an  interview  with  the  American 
consul,  in  itself  an  act  incompatible  with  a state  of  peace. 

Notwithstanding  these  repeated  assurances  on  the  part  of  the 
Mexican  authorities,  and  notwithstanding  the  most  obviously  hostile 
preparations  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  accompanied  by  a rigid 
non-intercourse,  I carefully  abstained  from  any  act  of  hostility de- 

termined that  the  onus  of  producing  an  actual  state  of  hostilities 
should  not  rest  with  me.  Our  relations  remained  in  this  state  until 
I had  the  honour  to  receive  your  note  of  the  12th  instant,  in  which 
you  denounce  war  as  the  alternative  of  my  remaining  in  this  posi- 
tion. As  I could  not,  under  my  instructions,  recede  from  my  posi- 
tion, I accepted  the  alternative  you  offered  me,  and  made  all  my 
dispositions  to  meet  it  suitably.  But,  still  willing  to  adopt  milder 
measures  before  proceeding  to  others,  I contented  myself  in  the 
first  instance  with  ordering  a blockade  of  the  mouth  of  the  Rio 
Bravo  by  the  naval  forces  under  my  orders— a proceeding  perfectly 
consonant  with  the  state  of  war  so  often  declared  to  exist,  and  which 
you  acknowledge  in  your  note  of  the  16th  instant,  relative  to  the 
late  Colonel  Cross.  If  this  measure  seem  oppressive,  I wish  it 
borne  in  mind  that  it  has  been  forced  upon  me  by  the  course  vc-" 

8 j 


26 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


have  seen  fit  to  adopt.  I have  reported  this  blockade  to  my  govern- 
ment, and  shall  not  remove  it  until  I receive  instructions  to  that 
eflect,  unless  indeed  you  desire  an  armistice  pending  the  final  set- 
tlement of  the  question  between  the  governments,  or  until  war  shall 
be  formally  declared  by  either,  in  which  case  I shall  cheerfully 
open  the  river.  In  regard  to  the  consequences  you  mention  as  re- 
sulting from  a refusal  to  remove  the  blockade,  I beg  you  to  under- 
stand that  I am  prepared  for  them,  be  they  what  they  may. 

In  regard  to  the  particular  vessels  referred  to  in  your  communi- 
cation, I have  the  honour  to  advise  you  that,  in  pursuance  of  my 
orders,  two  American  schooners,  bound  for  Matamoras,  were  warned 
oflT  on  the  17th  instant,  when  near  the  mouth  of  the  river,  and  put 
to  sea,  returning  probably  to  New  Orleans.  They  were  not  seized, 
or  their  cargoes  disturbed  in  any  way,  nor  have  they  been  in  the 
harbour  of  Brazos  Santiago  to  my  knowledge.  A Mexican 
schooner,  understood  to  be  the  “ Juniata,”  was  in  or  off  that  harbour 
when  my  instructions  to  block  the  river  were  issued,  but  was  driven 
to  sea  in  a gale,  since  which  time  I have  had  no  report  concerning 
her.  Since  the  receipt  of  your  communication,  I have  learned  that 
two  persons,  sent  to  the  mouth  of  the  river  to  procure  information 
respecting  this  vessel,  proceeded  thence  to  Brazos  Santiago,  when 
they  were  taken  up  and  detained  by  the  officer  in  command,  until 
my  orders  could  be  received.  I shall  order  their  immediate  release. 
A letter  from  one  of  them  to  the  Spanish  vice-consul  is  respectfully 
transmitted  herewith. 

In  relation  to  the  Mexicans  said  to  have  drifted  down  the  river  in 
a boat,  and  to  be  prisoners  at  this  time  in  my  camp,  I have  the 
pleasure  to  inform  you  that  no  such  persons  have  been  taken  pri- 
soners or  are  now  detained  by  my  authority.  The  boat  in  question 
was  carried  down  empty  by  the  current  of  the  river,  and  drifted 
ashore  near  one  of  our  pickets  and  was  secured  by  the  guard. 
Some  time  afterwards  an  attempt  was  made  to  recover  the  boat 
under  the  cover  of  the  darkness ; the  individuals  concerned  were 
hailed  by  the  guard,  and,  failing  to  answer,  were  fired  upon  as  a 
matter  of  course.  What  became  of  them  is  not  known,  as  no  trace 
of  them  could  be  discovered  on  the  following  morning.  The  officer 
of  the  Mexican  guard  directly  opposite  was  informed  next  day  that 
the  boat  would  be  returned  on  proper  application  to  me,  and  I have 
now  only  to  repeat  that  assurance. 

In  conclusion,  I take  leave  to  state  that  I consider  the  tone  of 


ATTACK  ON  CAPTAIN  THORNTON. 


27 


your  communication  highly  exceptionable,  where  you  stigmatize 
the  movement  of  the  army  under  my  orders  as  “ marked  with  the 
seal  of  universal  reprobation.”  You  must  be  aware  that  such 
language  is  not  respectful  in  itself,  either  to  me  or  my  government ; 
and  while  T observe  in  my  own  correspondence  the  courtesy  due  to 
your  high  position,  and  to  the  magnitude  of  the  interests  with  which 
we  are  respectively  charged,  I shall  expect  the  same  in  return. 

I have  the  honour  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Z.  TAYLOR, 

Brevet  Brig,  Gen,  U,  S,  A,,  Commandmg. 

Sr.  Gen.  D.  Pedro  de  Ampudia,  Commanding  in  Matamoras. 

About  the  20th  of  the  month,  all  intercourse  between  the  forces 
was  closed,  and  reports  of  the  most  alarming  nature  reached  the 
American  camp.  These  were,  that  the  Mexicans  were  crossing  the 
river  to  the  number  of  three  thousand,  and  spreading  themselves 
between  General  Taylor’s  position  and  Point  Isabel,  his  principal 
depot.  The  alternative  was  now  presented  of  being  cooped  up 
with  a scarcity  of  provisions,  or  of  being  obliged  to  cut  his  way 
through  overwhelming  numbers  to  Point  Isabel.  In  order,  however, 
to  be  assured  of  the  information  on  which  he  was  acting,  he  deter- 
mined to  detach  parties  above  and  below  the  fort,  for  the  purpose 
of  discovering  the  position’  and  designs  of  the  enemy.  The  fate  of 
one  of  these  parties  deserves  notice.  It  consisted  of  about  sixty  men 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Thornton.  They  proceeded  up  the 
river  for  about  twenty-five  miles,  w^hen  the  Mexican  guide  halted, 
affirming  that  a large  party  of  the  enemy  were  in  advance,  and  that 
he  would  proceed  no  further.  Disbelieving  this  statement,  the 
captain  again  moved  forward  until  he  reached  a farm-house,  the 
garden  of  which  was  surrounded  by  a chapparal  hedge.  After  en- 
tering the  enclosure,  he  left  his  men  near  the  entrance,  and  rode 
forward  with  a few  attendants  to  speak  with  the  inmates.  In  this 
divided  ^ate  of  his  little  command,  he  suddenly  perceived  the 
chapparal  was  swarming  with  armed  Mexicans,  who,  in  a few 
moments,  were  pouring  forth  volleys  of  musketry.  Shouting  to  his 
men  to  charge  the  chapparal,  he  dashed  forward,  reined  his  horse 
for  a moment,  and  then  sprung  completely  over  the  hedge.  In  the 
act  of  leaping,  his  horse  received  a musket-ball,  but  he  succeeded 
in  penetrating  the  enemy’s  line,  and  got  out  of  sight.  In  passing 

some  rocks  his  horse  fell,  carrying  him  along  with  it,  after  which 

B 


28 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


he  continued  his  escape  on  foot.  He  was  finally  captured,  however, 
and  carried  into  Matamoras,  his  party  sharing  the  same  fate. 

After  this  affair,  the  Mexicans  crossed  the  river  in  great  numbers, 
cutting  off  the  intercourse  between  the  two  American  stations,  and 
gradually  surrounding  the  river  fort.  For  three  days  its  little  gar- 
rison were  in  a condition  of  gloom  and  racking  suspense,  more  ter- 
rible than  the  most  fearful  reality.  Then  Captain  Walker  of  the 
Texan  Rangers  arrived,  with  the  cheering  intelligence  that  all  was 
still  safe  at  Point  Isabel.  Yet  the  danger  which  menaced  that 
place,  w^as  too  imminent  to  admit  delay  in  relieving  it;  and  Taylor, 
therefore,  resolved  on  marching  there  immediately  with  his  whole 
force,  except  a small  garrison  sufficient  to  defend  the  river  fort. 

On  the  1st  of  May,  1846,  General  Taylor  left  the  Rio  Grande, 
and  marched  for  Point  Isabel.  His  “ retreat”  was  hailed  in  Mata- 
moras by  the  ringing  of  bells,  explosion  of  fire-arms,  and  every 
other  manifestation  of  joy.  General  Arista,  the  commandant  in  the 
city,  commenced  extensive  operations  for  the  destruction  of  the  gar- 
rison under  Major  Brown.  On  the  3d,  a battery  opened  upon  the 
fort,  and  kept  up  a brisk  fire  for  some  time,  but  was  finally  silenced. 
The  next  day  Captain  Walker  arrived  from  General  Taylor,  to  as- 
certain the  effect  of  the  cannonade  which  had  been  heard  at  Point 
Isabel.  At  his  departure  the  firing  was  renewed,  and  various  par- 
ties appeared  on  the  plains  as  though  preparing  fora  charge.  Major 
Brown  now  found  that  his  six-pounders,  owing  to  the  distance,  did 
little  execution,  and  wishing  to  husband  his  ammunition  and  the 
strength  of  his  men,  the  enemy’s  fire  was  not  returned. 

On  the  morning  of  the  5th,  a battery  was  discovered  in  the  rear 
of  the  fort,  which  had  been  erected  by  a large  body  of  the  enemy 
during  the  night.  It  opened  a severe  fire,  and  at  the  same  time  a 
tremendous  discharge  of  shell  and  shot  was  maintained  from  the 
guns  in  Matamoras.  These  being  within  range  of  the  fort,  were 
answered  by  its  guns,  and  an  incessant  cannonading  was  kept  up 
until  the  afternoon  of  the  8th.  On  the  6th  the  gallant  Brown  was 
mortally  wounded  by  a cannon-ball,  and  the  command  devolved  upon 
Captain  Hawkins.  He  had  scarcely  entered  upon  his  new  station, 
when  a summons  to  surrender  reached  him  from  General  Arista. 
This  was  declined,  and  the  assailants  renewed  their  attack  with 
increased  vigour.  At  mid-da}?”  on  the  8th,  the  thunder  of  the  Mexi- 
can batteries  suddenly  stopped.  Two  hours  passed,  and  other  guns 


BATTLE  OF  PALO  ALTO. 


29 


were  heard,  sending  their  rapid  echoes  afar  from  the  north-east.  To 
the  exhausted  garrison  there  was  sympathy  and  succour  in  those 
deep  and  distant  sounds.  A shout  of  joy  and  hope  went  up  from 
the  fort. 

General  Taylor  reached  Point  Isabel  without  interruption,  and 
until  the  evening  of  the  7th,  listened  with  deep  emotion  to  the  dull 
booming  of  cannon,  that  told  of  the  danger  of  those  gallant  spirits  he 
had  left  behind.  The  safe  return  of  Captain  Walker  from  his  peril- 
ous journey,  brought  the  cheering  news  that  the  garrison  were  still 
enthusiastic  in  their  defence ; and  he  accordingly  took  time  to  com- 
plete all  necessary  arrangements  before  setting  out  to  return.  All 
things  being  satisfactorily  adjusted,  he  set  out  on  the  evening  of  the 
7th,  with  twenty-three  hundred  men,  on  his  return.  After  march- 
ing about  seven  miles,  he  halted  and  passed  the  night.  The  march 
was  resumed  on  the  following  morning,  and  continued  until  noon, 
when  scouts  brought  the  intelligence  that  the  enemy  were  drawn 
up  in  force,  directly  across  the  road.  The  period  so  long  expected 
by  the  soldiers  had  now  arrived  ; and  each  was  soon  to  test  his 
firmness  and  daring  amid  the  horrors  of  a battle.  The  fatigue  of 
their  journey,  the  exhaustion  from  thirst  were  forgotten ; and  one 
simultaneous  acceleration  in  the  march,  manifested  the  eagerness  to 
engage.  Onward  they  moved  in  compact  column,  until  the  long 
lines  of  the  foe,  faintly  glittering  in  the  distance,  broke  upon  the 
sight. 

Here  the  coolness  and  self-possession  of  General  Taylor  were 
most  admirably  displayed.  The  troops  were  upon  a wide  level 
field,  bounded  in  front  by  rows  of  dwarfish  trees,  which  the  Mexi- 
cans denominate  Palo  Alto.  In  front  of  this  the  Mexican  army  was 
drawn  up  in  battle  array,  directly  across  the  road ; while  on  the 
flanks  of  both  armies  were  small  pools  of  cold,  transparent  water. 
As  soon  as  the  enemy  were  observed,  the  General  halted  his  men, 
and  ordered  them  to  fill  their  canteens  with  fresh  water.  An  hour’s 
rest  was  then  permitted,  after  which  the  advance  was  resumed. 

The  order  of  battle  was  then  formed  as  follows : — The  right  wing 
under  Colonel  Twiggs  was  composed  of  the  5th  infantry,  under 
Colonel  McIntosh ; Ringgold’s  artillery ; 3d  infantry,  under  Captain 
Morris ; two  eighteen-pounders,  under  Lieutenant  Churchill ; 4th 
infantry,  under  Major  Allen ; two  squadrons  of  dragoons,  under 
Captains  Ker  and  May.  The  left  wing,  under  Colonel  Belknap, 


30 


•MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


was  formed  of  a battalion  of  artillery,  under  Colonel  Childs ; Dun- 
can’s light  artillery;  and  the  8th  infantry,  under  Captain  Mont- 
gomery. 

While  the  army  were  being  arranged.  Lieutenant  Blake  suddenly 
rode  forward  to  within  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  enemy, 
dismounted,  carefully  reconnoitred  their  position,  then  remounting, 
slowly  rode  along  their  whole  line,  and  returned  to  report  the  result 
to  General  Taylor.  A feat  so  daring  filled  both  armies  with  admi- 
ration. 

The  march  recommenced.  The  firm  tread  of  the  soldiers 
gave  no  echo  amid  the  matted  grass  of  the  prairie ; and  the  deep 
silence  of  their  onward  progress  seemed  in  harmony  with  the  dread- 
ful business  to  which  they  were  moving.  But  that  stillness  was 
soon  broken.  When  within  seven  hundred  yards  of  the  Mexican 
force,  its  right  opened  with  a tremendous  discharge  of  artillery. 
Then  General  Taylor  was  seen  hurrying  along  his  van,  deploying 
it  into  line,  and  exhorting  the  soldiers  to  be  firm.  Order  was  given 
to  return  the  fire,  and  immediately  all  other  sounds  were  drowned 
in  the  fearful  roar  of  artillery.  Resigning  the  battle  to  this  terrible 
engine,  the  infantry  and  rifle  corps  leaned  upon  their  pieces,  and 
watched  the  opposing  columns  as  they  swayed  to  and  fro  under  the 
constant  fire.  At  every  discharge,  whole  ranks  of  the  enemy 
were  mowed  down,  and  scores  of  horses  and  horsemen  flung  into 
one  undistinguished  mass. 

Unable  to  sustain  their  heavy  losses,  the  Mexican  infantry  began 
to  give  way,  when  General  Arista  ordered  a charge  with  the  cavalry. 
Pouring  down  in  two  columns,  the  lancers  came  toward  the  Ameri- 
*can  line,  with  a grace  and  rapidity  peculiar  to  the  Mexicans. 
But  before  they  reached  their  object,  Ridgely  and  Ringgold  opened 
the  artillery.  At  the  first  blast  they  staggered  — again  and  again, 
with  stern  energy,  the  cannon  broke  forth ; huge  gaps  opened 
among  the  horsemen,  and  scores  sunk  down  beneath  the  tramp  of 
their  compamons. , Fear  succeeded  to  enthusiasm.  Every  exertion 
withered  before  the  dreadful  prospect  around.  They  turned  and 
fled  precipitately,  leaving  behind  them  at  every  step  victims  to  the 
iron  storm  that  pursued  them.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  was 
small,  but  it  included  the  brave  Major  Ringgold. 

The  battle  now  became  general,  and  raged  for  a short  time  with 
fearful  destruction.  Suddenly,  by  a discharge  from  one  of  Captain 


BATTLE  OF  RESACA  DE  LA  PALMA. 


31 


Duncan’s  pieces,  the  long  prairie  grass  was  ignited,  rolling  up 
volumes  of  smoke  in  heavy  masses,  which,  for  awhile,  blotted  out 
the  light  of  day.  The  battle  now  ceased,  and  favoured  by  the  ob- 
scuritjT-,  both  armies  formed  a new  line.  Two  thousand  of  the 
Mexicans  moved  around  to  attack  the  unprotected  train  of  the  Ame- 
ricans, when,  fortunately  for  the  latter,  a light  breeze  dispersed  the 
smoke,  and  revealed  the  movement.  Captain  Duncan  rapidly  gal- 
lopped  against  them,  and  when  the  air  became  clear,  opened  upon 
the  astonished  enemy  a fire  that  arrested  in  a moment  their  progress. 
The  Mexican  infantry  retired  to  some  neighbouring  chapparal,  but 
the  lancers  stood  firm  before  a fire  which  cut  deep  gaps  in  their 
solid  masses.  Having  re-formed,  their  infantry  again  advanced  from 
the  wood,  and  moved  steadily  in  the  very  face  of  the  storm  from 
which  they  had  formerly  fied.  But  the  efibrt  was  vain ; at  every 
discharge  death  rioted  madly  among  them,  and  soon  they  were  fiy- 
ing  in  utter  confusion.  The  cavalry  bore  up  but  a moment  longer, 
and  then  turned  also.  Night  settled  around  the  victor  and  the 
vanquished,  forbidding  continued  pursuit.  Six  hundred  Mexicans, 
dead  and  wounded,  lay  on  that  battle-field  ; the  loss  of  the  Ameri- 
cans was  but  nine  killed  and  forty-four  wounded. 

On  the  morning  of  the  9th,-the  Mexicans  >vere  dimly  seen  in  the 
distance  retreating  through  the  chapparal ; and  anticipating  another 
battle  before  reaching  the  Rio  Grande,  General  Taylor  strongly 
parked  his  train,  formed  a new  line,  and  advanced  in  battle  array. 
In  order  to  guard  against  surprise,  he  had  thrown  forward  a small 
advance,  under  Captain  McCall,  to  ascertain  the  enemy’s  force  and 
position.  About  three  o’clock  reports  of  musketry  were  heard,  and 
soon  after  the  general  was  informed  that  the  Mexicans  were  posted 
in  force  near  the  road. 

The  position  which  the  Mexicans  had  selected  was  most  admira- 
bly adapted  to  defensive  action.  A strip  of  open  land  interrupts 
the  thick  chapparal,  and  through  this  open  space  is  a deep  ravine, 
crossed  by  the  Matamoras  road.  The  ravine  is  about  four  feet  deep, 
and  from  one  to  two  hundred  wide.  In  rainy  seasons  its  bed  forms 
a series  of  pools  which  subside  in  dry  weather,  and  hence  the  name 
Resaca  de  la  Palma.  In  this  natural  ditch,  and  amid  the  dense 
thicket  on  its  banks,  the  Mexicans  were  entrenched,  with  their  artil- 
lery in  such  a position  as  completely  to  svveep  the  road. 

The  battle  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  like  that  of  the  former  day, 


32 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


was  brought  on  by  the  artillery.  Ridgely  pushed  his  guns  to  with- 
in one  hundred  yards  of  the  enemy,  and  at  that  fearful  proximity 
showers  of  iron  hail  flew  thick  and  fast  against  opposing  bosoms. 
At  the  same  time  the  infantry  was  pressing  forward,  and  soon  the 
rattling  of  musketry  joined  to  the  roar  of  cannon.  For  awhile  the 
struggle  was  dreadful ; Mexico  seemed  determined  to  recover  her 
lost  honour;  and  heedless  of  the  numbers  that  fell  crushed  and 
bleeding  around,  her  brave  sons  poured  forth  their  rapid  volleys  in 
fierce  succession.  At  length  they  began  slowly  to  retire,  their  fire 
slackened,  and  finally  they  crossed  the  ravine  and  took  shelter  in 
the  chapparal.  With  shouts  that  rose  over  the  noise  of  artillery, 
the  Americans  rushed  on  to  complete  the  victory  by  a charge  with 
the  bayonet.  But  the  ravine  was  guarded  with  artillery ; and  the 
brave  men  who  stood  by  the  batteries,  as  though  feeling  that  the 
decision  of  fate  hung  with  them,  fought  in  a manner  hitherto  un- 
known in  the  history  of  Mexico.  The  efiect  upon  the  American 
lines  was  dreadful ; and  so  efiectually  was  the  pursuit  stopped,  that 
the  flying  cavalry  rallied  and  prepared  for  a charge,  while  the  in- 
fantry re-formed  and  commenced  anew  their  fire. 

Perceiving  that  nothing  could  be  accomplished  until  these  guns 
were  silenced.  General  Taylor  ordered  Captain  May  to  charge  them 
with  his  dragoons.  May  shouted  to  his  men,  and  the  next  instant 
they  were  dashing  headlong  down  the  narrow  road  toward  the  can- 
nons’ mouths.  Pausing  till  Ridgely  drew  the  enemy’s  fire,  they 
again  drove  on,  and  almost  before  the  eye  had  time  to  trace  their 
course,  they  were  within  a few  yards  of  the  fatal  guns.  May’s 
horse  was  far  ahead  of  his  troop ; and  as  he  turned  to  wave  them 
on,  only  the  impetuous  Inge  was  near  him.  Yet  that  squadron 
were  not  faltering.  Fast  as  their  straining  steeds  could  fly,  they 
were  hastening  on,  while  the  flinty  ground  rocked  and  echoed  be- 
neath their  tread.  Suddenly  a volley  from  the  higher  battery  swept 
fearfully  upon  their  column,  crushing  seven  men  and  eighteen 
horses  to  the  earth.  But  the  living  paused  not.  One  leap,  and 
May  was  upon  the  battery.  His  men  followed,  and  the  Mexicans 
were  driven  back.  But  the  heroic  la  Vega  rallied  them  to  the 
charge,  and  once  more  seized  the  pieces.  Thus  charge  after  charge 
was  made  until  only  the  Mexican  general  Avas  left  at  his  guns. 
Surrounded  with  piles  of  dead,  grim  with  powder  and  smoke,  he 
called  his  troops  to  duty,  and  faced  his  fierce  enemies  unmoved. 


ROUT  OF  THE  MEXICANS.  33 

♦ 

In  the  act  of  discharging  a piece,  May  ordered  him  to  surrender, 
and  finding  further  resistance  vain  he  complied. 

But  the  struggle  was  not  yet  over.  The  battalion  of  Tampico, 
charged  forward  to  regain  their  artillery,  and  at  the  same  time  the 
contest  w^as  sustained  along  the  ravine  with  stubborn  bravery.  The 
chapparal  presented  greater  obstacles  to  the  progress  of  the  Ameri- 
cans than  the  enemy’s  cannon.  From  these  natural  walls  the 
enemy  poured  a deadly  fire,  and  in  the  wild  struggle  to  take 
them  the  artillery  mutually  ceased.  Friend  and  foe  were  clutched 
in  desperate  disorder  along  the  thickets,  and  in  the  open  spaces  to 
which  the  Mexicans  were  driven.  Worthily  they  strove  to  recover 
their  lost  position.  The  camp  and  head-quarters  of  Arista  had 
been  taken,  and  the  rout  of  his  troops  was  becoming  general.  But 
one  solitary  banner  still  defied  the  onset  of  the  victors  — that  of  the 
Tampico  battalion,  which  had  never  yielded  on  any  other  field. 
Against  fate  and  hope  those  brave  spirits  fought  on  until  all  were 
cut  down.  The  standard-bearer,  resolving  to  save  his  honoured 
charge,  tore  it  from  the  staff  and  fled.  But  ridden  down  by  the 
dragoons,  he  was  made  prisoner,  and  his  flag,  the  noblest  trophy  of 
the  field,  borne  away.  During  the  struggle  the  artillery  had  ad- 
vanced, and  at  last,  while  the  Mexicans  were  fleeing  in  every 
direction,  it  opened  upon  them  with  terrible  effect. 

In  this  battle  seventeen  hundred  Americans  were  opposed  to  six 
thousand  Mexicans.  So  total  was  the  rout,  that  everything  in  camp 
was  captured.  The  correspondence  of  the  commander.  General 
Arista,  his  plate  and  private  property,  the  provisions,  arms,  ammu- 
nition, standards,  pack-saddles,  and  every  equipment  of  six  thousand 
men  and  two  thousand  horses,  save  what  they  wore,  fell  into  the 
hands  of  the  victors.  The  American  loss  was  one  hundred  and 
ten  ; that  of  the  Mexicans,  probably  one  thousand. 

Thus  another  victory  was  won,  and  evening  separated  the  in- 
furiated combatants ; but  its  dark  shades  closed  over  hundreds  of 
wounded,  dying  and  dead,  pale  and  stiff,  or  howling  in  the  agonies 
of  mortality.  In  the  panic  of  flight,  self-preservation  had  been  the 
only  thought  of  each  individual.  The  bleeding,  the  exhausted, 
were  borne  down  and  forsaken  by  the  sound  and  strong ; infantry 
were  trampled  by  cavalry ; and  the  multitude  fleeing  from  theirffoes 
found  neither  help  nor  comfort  from  their  friends.  The  thickeis 
and  hollows,  distant  from  the  scene  of  strife,  long  afterwards  told 


34 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


the  story  of  many  a wearied  soldier,  who  had  struggled  to  some 
secluded  spot,  there  to  bleed  and  thirst,  and  faint  and  die  in  linger- 
ing agony. 

The  return  of  General  Taylor  to  his  fort  opposite  Matamoras, 
was  hailed  by  the  wearied  garrison  with  unbounded  exultation. 
All  cannonading  ceased,  and  the  exhausted  soldiers  were  permitted 
to  rest.  In  honour  of  the  unfortunate  commandant  the  fort  was 
denominated  Fort  Brown. 

On  the  11th,  General  Taylor  returned  to  Point  Isabel,  for  the 
purpose  of  arranging  with  Commodore  Conner,  of  the  gulf  squadron, 
a plan  for  a combined  attack  upon  Matamoras.  On  his  return  he 
made  every  preparation  for  crossing  the  river  that  his  limited  means 
allowed ; but  was  not  able  to  accomplish  his  object  until  the  18th. 
He  summoned  the  city  to  surrender,  and  after  some  delay  was  an- 
swered that  he  might  enter  Matamoras  without  opposition.  Formal 
possession  was  accordingly  taken,  and  Colonel  Twiggs  immediately 
appointed  military  governor.  General  Arista,  with  his  army,  had 
retired  on  the  previous  night. 

The  small  town  \)f  Barita,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Rio  Grande, 
was  entered  without  resistance  on  the  15th. 

Although  General  Taylor  had  captured  an  important  city,  com- 
pletely driven  the  enemy  from  the  eastern  part  of  Mexico,  and 
erected  the  flag  of  his  country  on  the  left  side  of  tho  Rio  Grande ; 
yet  so  small  were  his  forces  and  military  stores,  that  he  was  obliged 
to  remain  inactive  during  the  greater  part  of  the  summer.  When 
reinforcements  did  arrive,  they  were  entirely  destitute  of  the  means 
of  transportation,  and  being  newly-raised  volunteers,  many  of  them 
were  destitute  of  the  qualifications  necessary  to  face  an  enemy.  The 
general  was  earnest  i^  his  representations  to  government  for  a miti- 
gation of  these  difficulties  ; but  his  efforts  were  for  a long  time  unat- 
tended with  success.  Thus  he  was  obliged  to  remain  inactive, 
while  the  enemy  were  recovering  from  their  disasters,  and  sum- 
moning all  their  energies  for  another  struggle,  further  toward  the 
interior. 

The  following  extracts  from  the  General’s  letters,  will  give  an 
idea  of  the  amount  of  these  difficulties : 

“ I beg  leave  earnestly  to  invite  the  attention  of  the  department 
to  the  following  points : 

“ First,  the  great  influx  of  volunteers  at  Point  Isabel.  Five  regi- 


WANT  OF  TRANSPORTATION. 


35 


merits,  certainly,  from  Louisiana,  numbering  say  3600  men  ; two 
regiments  or  battalions  from  Louisville  or  St.  Louis,  numbering  say 
1200  more  ; several  companies  from  Alabama,  and  I know  not  how 
many  from  Texas  ; the  latter  now  beginning  to  arrive.  The  volun- 
teer corps  now  under  my  orders  amount  to  nearly  six  thousand  men. 
How  far  they  may  be  increased  without  previous  notification  to  me, 
it  is  impossible  to  tell. 

“ Secondly,  the  entire  want  of  the  proper  kind  of  transportation  to 
push  my  operations  up  the  river.  The  boats  on  which  I depended 
for  this  service,  were  found  to  be  nearly  destroyed  by  worms,  and 
entirely  unfit  for  the  navigation  of  the  river.  ^ ^ ^ 

At  the  last  date  from  New  Orleans,  no  boat  had  been  procured. 
Captain  Saunders,  of  the  engineers,  was  despatched  by  me  to  New 
Orleans,  to  assist  in  procuring  suitable  boats,  but  I have  yet  received 
no  report  from  him. 

“As  I have  previously  reported,  my  operations  are  completely 
paralyzed,  by  the  want  of  suitable  steamboats  to  navigate  the  Rio 
Grande.  Since  the  18th  of  May  the  army  has  lain  in  camp  near 
this  place,  continually  receiving  heavy  reinforcements  of  men,  but 
no  facility  for  water  transport,  without  which  additional  numbers 
are  but  an  embarrassment. 

“ I desire  to  place  myself  right  in  this  matter,  and  to  let  the  de- 
partment see  that  the  inactivity  of  the  army  results  from  no  neglect 
of  mine.  I must  express  my  astonishment  that  such  large  reinforce- 
ments have  been  sent  forward  to  join  the  army,  without  being  ac- 
companied by  the  means  of  transportation,  both  by  land  and  water, 
to  render  them  efficient.  As  matters  now  stand,  whatever  may  be 
the  expectations  of  the  Department,  I cannot  move  from  this  place ; 
and  unless  Captain  Saunders  shall  succeed  in  procuring  boats  of  the 
proper  kind,  I can  give  no  assurance  in  regard  to  future  operations.” 

Again  he  writes  — “I  am  altogether  in  the  dark  as  to  our  future 
operations.  I must  think  that  orders  have  been  given  by  superior 
authority,  to  suspend  the  forwarding  of  means  of  transportation  from 
New  Orleans.  I cannot  otherwise  account  for  the  extraordinary 
delay  shown  by  the  Quarter-Master’s  department  in  that  city 
Even  the  mails,  containing  probably  important  despatches  from  the 
government,  are  not  expedited. 

“Volunteer  regiments  have  arrived  from  Louisville  and  St.  Louis, 
making  with  those  from  Louisiana,  eight  strong  and  organized  bat 

B* 


36 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


talions  — mustering  over  five  thousand  men.  Tn  addition  we  have 
seven  companies  of  Alabama  volunteers,  and  twelve  or  fifteen  com- 
panies from  Texas.  Others  from  Texas  are  continually  arriving. 
A portion  of  these  volunteers  have  been  lying  in  camp  at  this  place 
for  nearly  a month,  completely  paralyzed  by  the  want  of  transporta- 
tion. Exposed  as  they  are  in  this  climate  to  diseases  of  the  camp, 
and  without  any  prospect  so  far  as  I can  see  of  being  usefully  em- 
ployed, I must  recommend  that  th6y  be  allowed  to  return  to  their 
homes.” 

In  June,  Taylor  was  promoted  by  Congress  to  the  full  rank  of 
Major-General ; and  the  different  states  of  the  Union,  together  with 
a large  number  of  political  societies  and  meetings,  voted  him  testi- 
monials of  their  gratitude  for  his  distinguished  services. 

In  consequence  of  the  difficulties  which  have  been  mentioned, 
the  army  was  not  able  to  take  up  its  march  for  the  interior  until  the 
5th  of  September.  Meanwhile  the  towns  of  Mier,  Camargo,  Se- 
ralvo  and  Reynosa,  had  submitted  to  the  Americans,  and  become 
stations  for  different  divisions  of  the  army. 

On  the  above-mentioned  date,  the  commander  received  intelli- 
gence from  General  Worth,  that  large  reinforcements  of  the  enemy 
were  arriving  at  Monterey,  the  capital  city  of  the  Northern  Division 
of  Mexico.  He  accordingly  determined  to  push  forward  to  that 
place  with  all  speed ; and  leaving  General  Patterson  in  command 
on  the  Rio  Grande,  he  advanced  to  join  Worth  at  Seralvo.  Flere 
for  a few  days  the  whole  army  rendezvoused,  and  then  continued 
their  advance.  On  the  18th  they  were  at  the  Walnut  Springs, 
three  miles  from  the  city. 

Monterey,  the  capital  of  New  Leon,  contains  about  fifteen  thou- 
sand inhabitants.  It  is  situated  near  the  base  of  the  grand  moun- 
tain range  called  Sierra  .Mad re,  parallel  to  which  runs  the  Arroya 
San  Juan,  a small  branch  of  the  San  Juan  river.  On  the  north, 
whence  the  road  from  Camargo  approaches,  is  an  extensive  and 
gradually  inclined  plain  rising  from  the  margin  of  the  creek,  inter- 
rupted only  by  a dry  ravine  crossing  it  about  three-fourths  of  a mile 
in  front  of  the  town.  The  plain  is  varied  with  patches  of  chapparal, 
and  fields  of  corn  and  sugar-cane ; and  the  light  of  this  sunny 
undergrowth  is  relieved  by  the  umbrage  of  orange,  lemon,  citron 
and  olive  groves.  The  mountains  which  w^all  up  the  southern  and 
western  horizon  rear  their  rugged  and  mighty  heads  far  above  the 


DEFENCES  OF  MONTEREY. 


37 


clouds  of  the  valley,  and  a single  gorge  marks  the  only  continuation 
to  Saltillo  of  the  roads  from  the  Rio  Grande,  which  coalesce  at 
Monterey. 

These  natural  defences  of  the  site  the  Mexicans  had  improved 
with  diligence  and  skill.  In  front  and  to  the  right  of  the  town,  a 
strong  and  extensive  fortress  known  as  the  citadel  had  for  some 
time  been  erected.  Standing  on  the  plain  it  covers  an  area  of  about 
three  acres,  the  walls  of  solid  masonry,  thick  and  high,  with  bas- 
tions commanding  all  approach  from  the  north-east,  the  north,  and 
north-west.  On  the  eastern  side  of  the  city  several  redoubts  were 
built  near  the  suburbs,  forbidding  ingress  in  that  quarter.  The 
range  of  the  southernmost  of  these  extended  to  the  base  of  the 
heights  in  the  rear,  between  which  and  the  town,  as  has  been 
described,  is  the  course  of  the  Arroya  San  Juan.  Following  this 
course  to  the  south-west  extremity  of  the  city,  two  forts  appear  on 
the  hills  of  its  further  side ; while  on  the  nearer  side  of  it,  as  well 
as  of  the  Saltillo  road,  are  heights  crowned  by  two  other  fortifica- 
tions. The  latter  of  these  is  a large  unfinished  structure  designed 
for  the  Bishop’s  Palace  and  known  as  such.  The  upper  one,  more 
remote  from  the  city,  is  an  independent  redoubt  erected  expressly 
for  defence.  Entrance  to  the  town  on  that  quarter  was  further 
forbidden  by  the  walls  of  the  cemetery,  forming  a strong  breast- 
work with  embrasures.  These  numerous  and  well-constructed 
w^orks  were  mounted  with  forty-two  heavy  cannon. 

The  plan  of  the  city  itself  is  excellently  adapted  to  defensive 
warfare.  The  streets  being  straight,  a few  pieces  of  artillery  can 
command  their  entire  length.  The  stone  walls  of  the  houses  rise 
above  the  roofs,  thus  forming  regular  parapets  which  afford  tho- 
rough protection  to  the  defenders..  Each  dwelling  is  thus  a separate 
castle,  and  the  whole  city  one  grand  fortification,  suggested  by 
nature  and  consummated  by  art. 

For  the  defence  of  these  works  the  commandant.  General  Ampu- 
dia,  had  eight  thousand  regular  troops  and  some  thousand  militia 
and  armed  citizens,  wfith  abundant  supplies  of  small  arms  and 
ammunition  in  addition  to  the  ordnance  already  mentioned. 

As  the  admirable  despatches  of  General  Taylor  always  convey 
the  clearest  account  of  his  operations,  we  subjoin  his  official  account 
of  the  siege  of  Monterey. 

“ The  information  received  on  the  route  from  Seralvo,  and  par- 
4 


38 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


ticularly  the  continual  appearance  in  our  front  of  the  Mexican 
cavalry,  which  had  a slight  skirnaish  with  our  advance  at  the  village 
of  Ramos,  induced  the  belief,  as  we  approached  Monterey,  that  the 
enemy  would  defend  that  place.  Upon  reaching  the  neighbourhood 
of  the  city,  on  the  morning  of  the  19th  of  September,  this  belief  was 
fully  confirmed.  It  was  ascertained  that  he  occupied  the  town  in 
force  ; that  a large  work  had  been  constructed  commanding  all  the 
northern  approaches ; and  that  the  Bishop’s  Palace,  and  some 
heights  in  its  vicinity  near  the  Saltillo  road,  had  also  been  fortified, 
and  occupied  with  troops  and  artillery.  It  was  known,  from  infor- 
mation previously  received,  that  the  eastern  approaches  were  com- 
manded by  several  small  works  in  the  lower  edge  of  the  city. 

“ The  configuration  of  the  heights  and  gorges  in  the  direction  of 
the  Saltillo  road,  as  visible  from  the  point  attained  by  our  advance 
on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  led  me  to  suspect  that  it  was  practicable 
to  turn  all  the  works  in  that  direction,  and  thus  cut  off  the  enemy’s 
line  of  communication.  After  establishing  my  camp  at  the  ‘ Walnut 
Springs,’  three  miles  from  Monterey,  the  nearest  suitable  position, 
it  was,  accordingly,  my  first  care  to  order  a close  reconnoissance  of 
the  ground  in  question,  which  was  executed  on  the  evening  of  the 
19th,  by  the  engineer  officers  under  the  direction  of  Major  Mans- 
field. A reconnoissance  of  the  eastern  approaches  was  at  the  same 
time  made  by  Captain  Williams,  Topographical  Engineers.  The 
examination  made  by  Major  Mansfield  proved  the  entire  practica- 
bility of  throwing  forward  ^ column  to  the  Saltillo  road,  and  thus 
turning  the  position  of  the  enemy.  Deeming  this  to  be  an  operation 
of  essential  importance,  orders  were  given  to  Brevet-Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Worth,  commanding  the  second  division,  to  march  with  his 
command  on  the  20th : to  turn  the  hill  of  the  Bishop’s  Palace ; to 
occupy  a position  on  the  Saltillo  road,  and  to  carry  the  enemy’s 
detached  works  in  that  quarter,  where  practicable.  The  first  regi- 
ment of  Texas  mounted  volunteers,  under  command  of  Colonel 
Hays,  was  assodated  with  the  second  division  on  this  service. 
Captain  Sanders,  Engineers,  and  Lieutenant  Meade,  Topographical 
Engineers,  were  also  ordered  to  report  to  General  Worth  for  duty 
with  his  column. 

“ At  two  o’clock  P.  M.  on  the  20th,  the  second  division  took  up 
its  march.  It  was  soon  discovered,  by  officers  who  were  reconnoi- 
tring the  town,  and  communicated  to  General  Worth,  that  its 


PLAN  OF  ATTACK  ON  MONTEREY. 


39 


movement  had  been  perceived,  and  that  the  enemy  was  throwing 
reinforcements  towards  the  Bishop’s  Palace,  and  the  height  which 
commands  it.  To  divert  his  attention  as  far  as  practicable,  the  first 
division,  under  Brigadier-General  Twiggs,  and  field  division  of 
volunteers  under  Major-General  Butler,  were  displayed  in  front  of 
the  town  until  dark.  Arrangements  were  made  at  the  same  time 
to  place  in  battery,  during  the  night,  at  a suitable  distance  from  the 
enemy’s  main  work,  the  citadel,  two  24-pounder  howitzers,  and  a 
10-inch  mortar,  with  a view  to  open  a fire  on  the  following  day, 
when  I proposed  to  make  a diversion  in  favour  of  General  Worth’s 
movement.  The  4th  infantry  covered  this  battery  during  the  night. 
General  Worth  had  in  the  mean  time  reached  and  occupied,  for  the 
night,  a defensive  position  just  without  range  of  a battery  above  the 
Bishop’s  Palace,  having  made  a reconnoissance  as  far  as  the  Saltillo 
road. 

“ Before  proceeding  to  report  the  operations  of  the  21st  and  the 
following  days,  I beg  leave  to  state  that  I shall  mention  in  detail 
only  those  which  were  conducted  against  the  eastern  extremity  of 
the  city,  or  elsewhere,  under  my  immediate  direction,  referring  you 
for  the  particulars  of  General  Worth’s  operations,  which  were  en- 
tirely detached,  to  his  own  full  report  transmitted  herewith. 

“ Early  on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  I received  a note  from  Gene- 
ral Worth,  written  at  half-past  nine  o’clock  the  night  before,  sug- 
gesting what  I had  already  intended,  a strong  diversion  against  the 
centre  and  left  of  the  town,  to  favour  his  enterprise  against  the 
heights  in  rear.  The  infantry  and  artillery  of  the  first  division,  and 
the  field  division  of  volunteers,  were  ordered  under  arms,  and  took 
the  direction  of  the  city,  leaving  one  company  of  each  regiment  as 
a camp  guard.  The  2d  dragoons,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  May, 
and  Colonel  Wood’s  regiment  of  Texas  mounted  volunteers,  under 
the  immediate  direction  of  General  Henderson,  were  directed  to  the 
right  to  support  General  Worth,  if  necessary,  and  to  make  an  im- 
pression, if  practicable,  upon  the  upper  quarter  of  the  city.  Upon 
approaching  the  mortar  battery,  the  1st  and  3d  regiments  of  infantry, 
and  battalion  of  Baltimore  and  Washington  volunteers,  with  Captain 
Bragg’s  field  battery — the  whole  under  the  command  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Garland — were  directed  towards  the  lower  part  of  the  town, 
with  orders  to  make  a strong  demonstration,  and  carry  one  of  the 
enemy’s  advanced  works,  if  it  could  be  done  without  too  heavy  loss. 


40 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


/ 


Major  Mansfield,  Engineers,  and  Captain  Williams  and  Lieutenant 
Pope,  Topographical  Engineers,  accompanied  this  column.  Major 
Mansfield  being  charged  with  its  direction,  and  the  designation  of 
points  of  attack. 

“ In  the  mean  time,  the  mortar,  served  by  Captain  Ramsay,  of  the 
ordnance,  and  the  howitzer  battery  under  Captain  Webster,  1st  ar- 
tillery, had  opened  their  fire  upon  the  citadel,  which  was  deliberately 
sustained,  and  answered  from  the  work.  General  Butler’s  division 
had  now  taken  up  a position  in  rear  of  this  battery,  when  the  dis- 
charges of  artillery,  mingled  finally  with  a rapid  fire  of  small  arms, 
showed  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Garland’s  command  had  become 
warmly  engaged.  I now  deemed  it  necessary  to  support  this  attack, 
and  accordingly  ordered  the  4th  infantry,  and  three  regiments  of 
General  Butler’s  division,  to  march  at  once,  by  the  left  flank,  in  the 
direction  of  the  advanced  work  at  the  lower  extremity  of  the  town, 
leaving  one  regiment  (1st  Kentucky)  to  cover  the  mortar  and 
howitzer  battery.  By  some  mistake,  two  companies  of  the  4th  in- 
fantry did  not  receive  this  order,  and,  consequently,  did  not  join  the 
advance  companies  until  some  time  afterwards. 

“Lieutenant-Colonel  Garland’s  command  had  approached  the  town 
in  a direction  to  the  right  of  the  advanced  work  (No.  1,)  at  the 
north-eastern  angle  of  the  city,  and  the  engineer  officer,  covered  by 
skirmishers,  had  succeeded  in  entering  the  suburbs  and  gaining 
cover.  The  remainder  of  this  command  now  advanced  and  entered 
the  town  under  a heavy  fire  of  artillery  from  the  citadel  and  the 
works  on  the  left,  and  of  musketry  from  the  houses  and  small  works 
in  front.  A movement  to  the  right  was  attempted,  with  a view  to 
gain  the  rear  of  No.  1,  and  carry  that  work,  but  the  troops  were  so 
much  exposed  to  a fire  which  they  could  not  effectually  return,  and 
had  already  sustained  such  severe  loss,  particularly  in  officers,  that 
it  was  deemed  best  to  withdraw  them  to  a more  secure  position. 
Captain  Backus,  1st  infantry,  however,  with  a portion  of  his  own 
and  other  companies,  had  gained  the  roof  of  a tannery,  which 
looked  directly  into  the  gorge  of  No.  1,  and  from  which  he  poured 
a most  destructive  fire  into  that  work  and  upon  the  strong  building 
in  its  rear.  This  fire  happily  coincided  in  point  of  time  with  the 
advance  of  a portion  of  the  volunteer  division  upon  No.  1,  and  con 
tributed  largely  to  the  fall  of  that  strong  and  important  work. 

“ The  three  regiments  of  the  volunteer  division,  under  ^he  imme- 


ASSAULT  ON  MONTERgY. 


41 


diate  command  of  Major-General  Butler,  had,  in  the  mean  time, 
advanced  in  the  direction  of  No.  1.  The  leading  brigade,  under 
Brigadier-General  duitman,  continued  its  advance  upon  that  work, 
preceded  by  three  companies  of  the  4th  infantry,  while  General 
Butler,  with  the  1st  Ohio  regiment,  entered  the  town  to  the  right. 
The  companies  of  the  4th  infantry  had  advanced  within  short  range 
of  the  work,  when  they  were  received  by  a fire  that  almost  in  one 
moment  struck  down  one-third  of  the  officers  and  men,  and  rendered 
it  necessary  to  retire  and  effect  a conjunction  with  the  two  other 
companies  then  advancing.  General  duitman’s  brigade,  though 
suffering  most  severely,  particularly  in  the  Tennessee  regiment, 
continued  its  advance,  and  finally  carried  the  work  in  handsome 
style,  as  well  as  the  strong  building  in  its  rear.  Five  pieces  of 
artillery,  a considerable  supply  of  ammunition,  and  thirty  prisoners, 
including  three  officers,  fell  into  our  hands. 

“ Major-General  Butler,  with  the  1st  Ohio  regiment,  after  enter- 
ing the  edge  of  the  town,  discovered  that  nothing  was  to  be  accom- 
plished in  his  front,  and  at  this  point,  yielding  to  the  suggestions  of 
several  officers,  I ordered  a retrograde  movement ; but  learning 
almost  immediately  from  one  of  my  staff  that  the  battery  No.  1 was 
in  our  possession,  the  order  was  countermanded,  and  I determined 
to  hold  the  battery  and  defences  already  gained.  General  Butler, 
with  the  1st  Ohio  regiment,  then  entered  the  town  at  a point  further 
to  the  left,  and  marched  in  the  direction  of  the  battery  No.  2. 
While  making  an  examination  with  a view  to  ascertain  the  possi- 
bility of  carrying  this  second  work  by  storm,  the  general  was 
wounded  and  soon  after  compelled  to  quit  the  field.  As  the  strength 
of  No.  2,  and  the  heavy  musketry  fire  flanking  the  approach,  ren- 
dered it  impossible  to  carry  it  without  great  loss,  the  1st  Ohio  regi- 
ment was  withdrawn  from  the  town. 

“Fragments  of  the  various  regiments  engaged  were  now  under 
cover  of  the  captured  battery  and  some  buildings  in  its  front,  and 
on  the  right.  The  field  battery  of  Captains  Bragg  and  Ridgely 
was  also  partially  covered  by  the  battery.  An  incessant  fire  was 
kept  on  this  position  from  battery  No.  2,  and  other  works  on  its 
right,  and  from  the  citadel  on  all  our  approaches.  General  Twiggs, 
though  quite  unwell,  joined  me  at  this  point,  and  was  instrumental 
in  causing  the  artillery  captured  from  the  enemy  to  be  placed  in 
battery,  and  served  by  Captain  Ridgely,  against  No.  2,  until  the 

4 


42  MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 

arrival  of  Captain  Webster’s  howitzer  battery,  which  took  its  place. 
In  the  mean  time,  I directed  such  men  as  could  be  colle.cted  of  the 
1st,  3d,  and  4th  regiments  and  Baltimore  battalion,  to  enter  the 
town,  penetrate  to  the  right,  and  carry  the  2d  battery  if  possible. 
This  command,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Garland,  advanced  be- 
yond the  bridge  “ Purisima,”  when,  finding  it  impracticable  to  gain 
the  rear  of  the  2d  battery,  a portion  of  it  sustained  themselves  for 
some  time  in  that  advanced  position ; but  as  no  permanent  impres- 
sion could  be  made  at  that  point,  and  the  main  object  of  the  general 
operation  had  been  effected,  the  command,  including  a section  of 
Captain  Ridgely’s  battery,  which  had  joined  it,  was  withdrawn  to 
battery  No.  1.  During  the  absence  of  this  column,  a demonstra- 
tion of  cavalry  was  reported  in  the  direction  of  the  citadel.  Cap- 
tain Bragg,  who  was  at  hand,  immediately  galloped  with  his  bat- 
tery to  a suitable  position,  from  which  a few  discharges  effectually 
dispersed  the  enemy.  Captain  Miller,  1st  infantry,  was  despatched 
with  a mixed  command  to  support  the  battery  on  this  service.  The 
ene,my’s  lancers  had  previously  charged  upon  the  Ohio  and  a part 
of  the  Mississippi  regiments,  near  some  fields  at  a distance  from  the 
edge  of  the  town,  and  had  been  repulsed  with  considerable  loss. 
A demonstration  of  cavalry  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river  was 
also  dispersed  in  the  course  of  the  afternoon  by  Captain  Ridgely’s 
battery,  and  the  squadrons  returned  to  the  city.  At  the  approach 
of  evening  all  the  troops  that  had  been  engaged  were  ordered  back 
to  the  camp,  except  Captain  Ridgely’s  battery  and  the  regular  in- 
fantry of  the  1st  division,  who  were  detailed  as  a guard  for  the 
works  during  the  night,  under  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Gar- 
land. One  battalion  of  the  1st  Kentucky  regiment  was  ordered  to 
reinforce  this  command.  Intrenching  tools  were  procured,  and  ad- 
ditional strength  was  given  to  the  works,  and  protection  to  the  men, 
by  working-parties  during  the  night,  under  the  direction  of  Lieu- 
tenant Scarritt,  Engineers. 

“ The  main  object  proposed  in  the  morning  had  been  effected. 
A powerful  diversion  had  been  made  to  favour  the  operations  of  the 
second  division,  one  of  the  enemy’s  advanced  works  had  been  car- 
ried, and  we  now  had  a strong  foot-hold  in  the  town.  But  this  had 
not  been  accomplished  without  a very  heavy  loss,  embracing  some 
of  our  most  gallant  and  accomplished  officers.  Captain  Williams, 
Topographical  Engineers  ; Lieutenants  Terrett  and  Dilworth,  1st  in- 


CONTINUED  ASSAULT  UPON  MONTEREY, 


43 


fantry ; Lieutenant  Woods,  2(1  infantry  ; Captains  Morris  and  Field, 
Brevet-Major  Barbour,  Lieutenants  Irwin  and  Hazlitt,  3d  infantry ; 
Lieutenant  Hoskins,  4th  infantry;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Watson,  Bal- 
timore battalion ; Captain  Allen  and  Lieutenant  Putnam,  Tennessee 
regiment,  and  Lieutenant  Hett,  Ohio  regiment,  were  killed,  or  have 
since  died  of  wounds  received  in  this  engagement,  while  the  num- 
ber and  rank  of  the  officers  wounded  gives  additional  proof  of  the 
obstinacy  of  the  contest,  and  the  good  conduct  of  our  troops.  The 
number  of  killed  and  wounded  incident  to  the  operations  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  city  on  the  21st  is  three  hundred  and  ninety-four. 

“Early  in  the  morning  of  this  day  (21st),  the  advance  of  the 
second  division  had  encountered  the  enemy  in  force,  and  after  a 
brief  but  sharp  conflict,  repulsed  him  with  heavy  loss.  General 
Worth  then  succeeded  in  gaining  a position  on  the  Saltillo  road, 
thus  cutting  ofT  the  enemy’s  line  of  communication.  From  this  posi- 
tion the  two  heights  south  of  the  Saltillo  road  were  carried  in  suc- 
cession, and  the  guns  taken  in  one  of  them  turned  upon  the  Bishop’s 
Palace.  These  important  successes  were  fortunately  obtained  with 
comparatively  small  loss : Captain  McKavett,  8th  infantry,  being 
the  only  officer  killed. 

“The  22d  day  of  September  passed  without  any  active  operations 
in  the  lower  part  of  the  city.  The  citadel  and  other  works  conti- 
nued to  fire  at  parties  exposed  to  their  range,  and  at  the  work  now 
occupied  by  our  troops.  The  guard  left  in  it  the  preceding  night, 
except  Captain  Ridgely’s  company,  was  relieved  at  mid-day  by 
General  Quitman’s  brigade.  Captain  Bragg’s  battery  was  thrown 
under  cover  in  front  of  the  town,  to  repel  any  demonstration  of 
cavalry  in  that  quarter.  At  dawn  of  day  the  height  above  the 
Bishop’s  Palace  was  carried,  and  soon  after  meridian  the  Palace 
itself  was  taken,  and  its  guns  turned  upon  the  fugitive  garrison. 
The  object  for  which  the  second  division  was  detached  had  thus 
been  completely  accomplished,  and  I felt  confident  that  with  a strong 
force  occupying  the  road  and  heights  in  his  rear,  and  a good  posi- 
tion below  the  city  in  our  possession,  the  enemy  could  not  possibly 
maintain  the  town. 

“ During  the  night  of  the  22d  the  enemy  evacuated  nearly  all  his 
defences  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city.  This  was  reported  to  me 
early  in  the  morning  of  the  23d,  by  General  Quitman,  who  had 
already  meditated  an  assault  upon  those  works.  I immediately 


44 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


sent  instructions  to  that  officer,  leaving  it  to  his  discretion  to  enter 
the  city,  covering  his  men  by  the  houses  and  walls,  and  advance 
carefully  so  far  as  he  might  deem  prudent. 

“ After  ordering  the  remainder  of  the  troops  as  a reserve,  under 
the  orders  of  Brigadier-General  Twiggs,  I repaired  to  the  abandoned 
works,  and  discovered  that  a portion  of  General  Gluitman’s  brigade 
had  entered  the  town,  and  were  successfully  forcing  their  way 
towards  the  principal  plaza.  I then  ordered  up  the  second  regi- 
ment of  Texas  mounted  volunteers,  who  entered  the  city,  dismount- 
ed, and,  under  the  immediate  orders  of  General  Henderson,  co-ope- 
rated with  General  Quitman’s  brigade.  Captain  Bragg’s  battery 
was  also  ordered  up,  supported  by  the  3d  infantry,  and  after  firing 
for  some  time  at  the  Cathedral,  a portion  of  it  was  likewise  thrown 
into  the  city.  Our  troops  advanced  from  house  to  house,  and  from 
square  to  square,  until  they  reached  a street  but  one  square  in  rear 
of  the  principal  plaza,  in  and  near  which  the  enemy’s  force  was 
mainly  concentrated.  This  advance  was  conducted  vigorously,  but 
with  due  caution,  and  although  destructive  to  the  enemy,  was 
attended  with  but  small  loss  on  our  part.  Captain  Ridgely,  in  the 
mean  time,  had  served  a captured  piece  in  battery  No.  1 against  the 
city,  until  the  advance  of  our  men  rendered  it  imprudent  to  fire  in 
the  direction  of  the  Cathedral.  I was  now  satisfied  that  we  could 
operate  successfully  in  the  city,  and  that  the  enemy  had  retired  from 
the  lower  portion  of  it  to  make  a stand  behind  his  barricades.  As 
General  Quitman’s  brigade  had  been  on  duty  the  previous  night,  I 
determined  to  withdraw  the  troops  to  the  evacuated  works,  and 
concert  with  General  Worth  a combined  attack  upon  the  town. 
The  troops  accordingly  fell  back  deliberately,  in  good  order,  and 
resumed  their  original  positions.  General  Quitman’s  brigade  being 
relieved  after  nightfall  by  that  of  General  Hamer.  On  my  return 
to  camp,  I met  an  officer  with  the  intelligence  that  General  Worth, 
induced  by  the  firing  in  the  lower  part  of  the  city,  was  about 
making  an  attack  at  the  upper  extremity,  which  had  also  been 
evacuated  by  the  enemy  to  a considerable  distance.  I regretted 
that  this  information  had  not  reached  me  before  leaving  the  city, 
but  still  deemed  it  inexpedient  to  change  my  orders,  and  accordingly 
returned  to  camp.  A note  from  General  Worth,  written  at  11 
o’clock,  P.  M.,  informed  me  that  he  had  advanced  to  within  a short 
distance  of  the  principal  plaza,  and  that  the  mortar  (which  had  been 


MONTEREY  SURRENDERS.  45 

sent  to  his  division  in  the  morning)  was  doing  good  execution  within 
effective  range  of  the  enemy’s  position. 

“Desiring  to  make  no  further  attempt  upon  the  city  without 
complete  concert  as  to  the  lines  and  mode  of  approach,  I instructed 
that  officer  to  suspend  his  advance  until  I could  have  an  interview 
with  him  on  the  following  morning,  at  his  head-quarters. 

“Early  in  the  morning  of  the  24th  I received,  through  Colonel 
Moreno,  a communication  from  General  Ampudia,  proposing  to 
evacuate  the  town  ; which,  with  the  answer,  were  forwarded  with 
my  first  despatch.  I arranged  with  Colonel  Moreno  a cessation  of 
fire  until  twelve  o’clock,  at  which  hour  I would  receive  the  answer 
of  the  Mexican  general  at  General  Worth’s  head-quarters,  to  which 
I soon  repaired.  In  the  mean  time.  General  Ampudia  had  signified 
to  General  Worth  his  desire  for  a personal  interview  with  me,  to 
which  I acceded,  and  which  finally  resulted  in  a capitulation, 
placing  the  town  and  the  material  of  war,  with  certain  exceptions, 
in  our  possession.  A copy  of  that  capitulation  was  transmitted 
with  my  first  despatch. 

“Upon  occupying  the  city,  it  was  discovered  to  be  of  great  strength 
in  itself,  and  to  have  its  approaches  carefully  and  strongly  fortified. 
The  town  and  works  were  armed  with  forty-two  pieces  of  cannon, 
well  supplied  with  ammunition,  and  manned  with  a force  of  at  least 
seven  thousand  troops  of  the  line,  and  from  two  to  three  thousand 
irregulars.  The  force  under  my  orders  before  Monterey,  as  ex- 
hibited by  the  accompanying  return,  was  four  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  officers,  and  six  thousand  two  hundred  and  twenty  men.  Our 
artillery  consisted  of  one  ten-inch  mortar,  two  twenty-four  pounder 
howitzers,  and  four  light  field  batteries  of  four  guns  each  — the 
mortar  being  the  only  piece  suitable  to  the  operations  of  a siege. 

“ Our  loss  is  twelve  officers  and  one  hundred  and  eight  men 
killed ; thirty-one  officers  and  three  hundred  and  thirty-seven  men 
wounded.  That  of  the  enemy  is  not  known,  but  is  believed  con- 
siderably to  exceed  our  own. 

“I  take  pleasure  in  bringing  to  the  notice  of  the  government  the 
good  conduct  of  the  troops,  both  regulars  and  volunteers,  which  has 
been  conspicuous  throughout  the  operations.  I am  proud  to  bear 
testimony  to  their  coolness  and  constancy  in  battle,  and  the  cheer- 
fulness with  which  they  have  submitted  to  exposure  and  privation. 
To  the  general  officers  commanding  divisions  — Major-Generals 


46 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


Butler  and  Henderson,  and  Brigadier-Generals  Twiggs  and  Worth 
must  express  my  obligations  for  the  efficient  aid  which  they 
have  rendered  in  their  respective  commands.  I was  unfortunately 
deprived,  early  on  the  21st,  of  the  valuable  services  of  Major- 
General  Butler,  who  was  disabled  by  a wound  received  in  the 
attack  on  the  city.  Major-General  Henderson,  commanding  the 
Texan  volunteers,  has  given  me  important  aid  in  the  organization 
of  his  command,  and  its  subsequent  operations.  Brigadier-General 
Twiggs  rendered  important  services  with  his  division,  and,  as  the 
second  in  command,  after  Major-General  Butler  was  disabled. 
Brigadier-General  Worth  was  intrusted  with  an  important  detach- 
ment, which  rendered  his  operations  independent  of  my  own. 
These  operations  were  conducted  with  ability,  and  crowned  with 
complete  success.  I desire  also  to  notice  Brigadier-Generals  Hamer 
and  Guitman,  commanding  brigades  in  General  Butler’s  division ; 
Lieutenant-Colonels  Garland  and  Wilson,  commanding  brigades  in 
General  Twiggs’s  division ; Colonels  Mitchell,  Campbell,  Davis, 
and  Wood,  commanding  the  Ohio,  Tennessee,  Mississippi,  and 
2d  Texas  regiments,  respectively  ; and  Majors  Lear,  Allen,  and 
Abercrombie,  commanding  the  3d,  4th,  and  1st  regiments  of  in- 
fantry ; all  of  whom  served  under  my  eye,  and  conducted  their 
commands  with  coolness  and  gallantry  against  the  enemy. 

“Colonel  Mitchell,  Lieutenant-Colonel  M’Clung,  Mississippi  regi- 
ment, Major  Lear,  8d  infantry,  and  Major  Alexander,  Tennessee 
regiment,  were  all  severely  wounded,  as  were  Captain  Lamotte,  1st 
infantry.  Lieutenant  Graham,  4th  infantry.  Adjutant  Armstrong, 
Ohio  regiment.  Lieutenants  Scudderand  Allen-,  Tennessee  regiment, 
and  Lieutenant  Howard,  Mississippi  regiment,  while  leading  their 
men  against  the  enemy’s  position  on  the  21st  and  23d.  After  the 
fall  of  Colonel  Mitchell,  the  command  of  the  1st  Ohio  regiment  de- 
volved upon  Lieutenant-Colonel  Weller;  that  of  the  3d  infantry, 
after  the  fall  of  Major  Lear,  devolved  in  succession  upon  Captain 
Bainbridge  and  Captain  Henry,  the  former  being  also  wounded. 
The  following  named  officers  have  been  favourably  noticed  by  their 
commanders  : Lieutenant-Colonel  Anderson  and  Adjutant  Heiman, 
Tennessee  regiment ; Lieutenant-Colonel  M’Clung,  Captains  Cooper 
and  Downing;  Lieutenants  Batterson,  Calhoun,  Moore,  Russel,  and 
Cook,  Mississippi  regiments  ; also  Sergeant-Major  Hearlan,  Missis- 
sippi regiment ; and  Major  Price  and  Captain  J.  R.  Smith,  unat- 


COMMENDATIONS  BY  GENERAL  TAYLOR.  47 

mched,  but  serving  with  it.  I beg  leave  also  to  call  attention  to  the 
good  conduct  of  Captain  Johnson,  Ohio  regiment,  and  Lieutenant 
Hooker,  1st  artillery,  serving  on  the  staff  of  General  Hamer,  and  of 
Lieutenant  Nichols,  2d  artillery,  on  that  of  General  Ouitman, 
Captains  Bragg  and  Ridgely  served  with  their  batteries  during  the 
operations  under  my  own  observation,  and  in  part  under  my  imme- 
diate orders,  and  exhibited  distinguished  skill  and  gallantry.  Cap- 
tain AVebster,  1st  artillery,  assisted  by  Lieutenants  Donaldson  and 
Bowen,  rendered  good  service  with  the  howitzer  battery,  which  was 
much  exposed  to  the  enemy’s  fire  on  the  21st. 

“ From  the  nature  of  the  operations,  the  2d  dragoons  were  not 
brought  into  action,  but  were  usefully  employed,  under  the  direction 
of  Lieutenant-Colonel  May,  as  escorts,  and  in  keeping  open  our 
communications.  The  1st  Kentucky  regiment  was  also  prevented 
from  participating  in  the  action  of  the  21st,  but  rendered  highly  im- 
portant services,  under  Colonel  Ormsby,  in  covering  the  mortar  bat- 
tery, and  holding  in  check  the  enemy’s  cavalry  during  the  day. 

“I  have  noticed  above,  the  officers  whose  conduct  either  fell 
directly  under  my  own  immediate  eye,  or  is  noticed  only  in  minor 
reports  which'  are  not  forwarded.  For  further  mention  of  indi- 
viduals, I beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  reports  of  division  commanders 
herewith  respectfully  transmitted.  I fully  concur  in  their  recom- 
mendations, and  desire  that  they  may  be  considered  as  a part  of  my 
own  report. 

From  the  officers  of  my  personal  staff  and  of  the  engineers, 
topographical  engineers,  and  ordnance,  associated  with  me,  I have 
derived  valuable  and  efficient  assistance  during  the  operations. 
Colonel  Whiting,  assistant  quartermaster-general.  Colonels  Croghan 
and  Belknap,  inspectors-general.  Major  Bliss,  assistant  adjutant-gen- 
eral, Captain  Sibley,  assistant  quartermaster.  Captain  Waggaman, 
commissary  of  subsistence,  Captain  Eaton  and  Lieutenant  Garnett, 
aids-de-camp,  and  Majors  Kirby  and  Van  Buren,  pay  department, 
served  near  my  person,  and  were  ever  prompt,  in  all  situations,  in 
the  communication  of  my  orders  and  instructions.  I must  express 
my  particular  obligations  to  Brevet-Major  Mansfield  and  Lieutenant 
Scarritt,  corps  of  engineers.  They  both  rendered  most  important 
services  in  reconnoitring  the  enemy’s  positions,  conducting  troops 
in  attack,  and  strengthening  the  works  captured  from  the  enemy. 
Major  Mansfield,  though  wounded  on  the  21st,  remained  on  duty 


48 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


/ 


during  that  and  the  following  day,  until  confined  by  his  wound  to 
camp.  Captain  Williams,  Topographical  Engineers,  to  my  great 
regret,  and  the  loss  of  the  service,  was  mortally  wounded  while  fear- 
lessly exposing  himself  in  the  attack  of  the  21st.  Lieutenant  Pope, 
of  the  same  corps,  was  active  and  zealous  throughout  the  operations. 
Major  Munroe,  chief  of  the  artillery,  Major  Craig,  and  Captain 
Ramsey,  of  the  ordnance,  were  assiduous  in  the  performance  of  their 
proper  duties.  The  former  superintended  the  mortar-service  on  the 
22d,  as  particularly  mentioned  in  the  report  of  General  Worth,  to 
which  I also  refer  for  the  services  of  the  engineers  and  topographical 
officers  detached  with  the  second  division. 

“ Surgeon  Craig,  medical  director,  was  actively  employed  in  the 
important  duties  of  his  department,  and  the  medical  staff  generally 
were  unremitting  in  their  attentions  to  the  numerous  wounded  — 
their  duties  with  the  regular  regiments  being  rendered  uncommonly 
arduous  by  the  small  number  serving  in  the  field.” 

The  following  accounts  from  the  pen  of  an  officer  belonging  to 
the  Baltimore  battalion,  will  serve  to  show  the  degree  of  individual 
suffering  and  bravery  evinced  by  many  of  the  companies. 

“ I saw  Colonel  Watson  shouting,  but  as  to  hearing  a command 
that  was  an  impossibility,  owing  to  the  deafening  roar  of  the  can- 
non and  musketry.  I saw  the  head  of  our  line  changing  its  direc- 
tion, and  I knew  at  once  that  the  point  of  attack  was  changed,  and 
ran  to  the  head  of  my  company  to  intercept  the  head  of  the  column. 
I reached  it  just  as  Colonel  Watson  was  dismounting  from  his  horse, 
which  the  next  moment  fell  from  a shot.  The  colonel  cried  out  to 
the  men,  ‘ Shelter  yourselves,  men,  the  best  way  you  can.’  At 
this  time,  the  battalion  was  scattered  over  a space  of  about  an  acre, 
and  the  men  were  lying  down,  the  shot  in  most  instances  flying 
over  our  heads ; but  the  guns  were  soon  depressed  and  the  shot 
began  to  take  effect. 

“ I was  lying  close  to  Colonel  Watson,  alongside  of  a hedge, 
when  he  jumped  up  and  cried  out,  ‘Now  is  the  time  boys,  follow 
me  I’  We  were  now  in  a street  or  lane  with  a few  houses  on  either 
side,  and  within  a hundred  yards  of  three  batteries  which  com- 
pletely raked  it,  in  addition  to  which,  two  twelve-pound  guns  were 
planted  in  the  castle  on  the  right,  and  completely  enfiladed  the 
whole  distance  we  had  to  make.  Add  to  this  the  thousand  mus- 
keteers on  the  house-tops,  and  in  the  barricades  at  the  head  of  the 


THE  BALTIMORE  BATTALION. 


49 


street  up  which  we  advanced,  and  at  every  cross  street,  and  you 
may  form  some  idea  of  the  deluge  of  balls  poured  upon  us.  (Bear 
in  mind  that  the  four  companies  of  regulars  were  now  with  us,  the 
one  intermingled  with  the  other.)  Onward  we  went,  men  and 
horses  falling  at  every  step.  Cheers,  shrieks,  groans  and  words  of 
command  added  to  the  din,  whilst  the  roar  of  the  guns  was  abso- 
lutely deafening. 

“We  had  advanced  up  the  street  under  this  awful  and  fatal  fire 
nearly  two  hundred  yards,  when  we  reached  a cross  street,  at  the 
corner  of  which,  all  those  who  had  succeeded  in  getting  this  far 
halted,  as  if  by  mutual  consent.  I was  shaking  Colonel  W^atson 
by  the  hand,  while  he  was  complimenting  me,  when  a shower  of 
grape,  round  and  canister  shot,  came  from  the  corner  above,  and 
jive  officers  fell,  and  I know  not  how  many  privates.  Each  man 
sought  some  place  of  apparent  shelter. 

“1  sat  down  on  the  ground,  with  my  back  to  the  wall  of  a house. 
On  my  left  were  two  men  torn  nearly  to  pieces.  One  of  them  was 
lying  flat  on  his  back  with  his  legs  extending  farther  in  the  street 
than  mine.  Crash  came  another  shower  of  grape,  which  tore  one 
of  his  wounded  legs  off.  He  reared  up,  shrieked,  and  fell  back  a 
corpse.  I never  moved,  for  I was  satisfied  that  one  place  was  as 
safe  as  another.  Directly  opposite  to  me  was  my  brevet  2d  Lieu- 
tenant Aisquith ; on  the  right  hand  corner  w^as  Lieutenant  Bowie, 
also  of  my  company;  and  close  to  me  sat  Colonel  Watson  and 
Adjutant  Schceler.  In  a few  minutes  I saw  our  colour  serjeant,  old 
Hart,  come  past  with  his  right  arm  shattered,  and  in  a few  minutes 
there  came  our  battalion  flag,  borne  by  one  of  the  colour  guards—— 
our  glorious  stars  and  stripes— and  note  this,  that  it  was  the  first 
American  flag  in  the  city  of  Monterey,  an  honour  which  we  know 
belongs  to  our  battalion. 

“ No  man  there  ever  thought  for  a moment  that  he  would  get  out 
alive,  and  most  of  them  did  not.  The  firing  still  continued  without 
the  slightest  intermission,  whilst  w’e  remained  at  this  memorable 
corner,  which  was  perhaps  for  fifteen  minutes.  When  we  were 
ordered  to  charge  up  the  street,  a slight  hesitation  was  manifested 
by  both  regulars  and  volunteers,  but  the  officers  sprang  to  the  front 
in  double  file.  We  advanced  I suppose  about  fifty  yards,  when 
Colonel  Garland  of  the  army  ordered  us  to  retire.  We  still  ad- 
vanced,^nd  he  again  ordered  us  to  retire,  adding  this  time  in  good 


50  MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 

order.  I now  became  separated  from  Colonel  Watson,  and  never 
saw  him  again.  He  took  the  left  hand  side  of  the  street  and  I the 
right  hand,  and  when  I reached  the  open  field  where  he  had  first 
ordered  us  to  lie  down,  I was  joined  by  Lieutenant  Aisquith,  who 
to  my  inquiry  answered  that  he  had  just  left  the  colonel,  and  sup- 
posed that  he  would  soon  be  with  us.  Seeing  no  other  officer 
around  me,  I rallied  the  battalion,  and  led  them  down  to  make 
another  attack  upon  the  fort.” 

The  following  are  the  terms  of  capitulation : — 

Article  I.  As  the  legitimate  result  of  the  operations  before 
this  place,  and  the  present  position  of  the  contending  armies,  it  is 
agreed  that  the  city,  the  fortifications,  cannon,  munitions  of  war, 
and  all  other  public  property,  with  the  undermentioned  exceptions, 
be  surrendered  to  the  commanding  general  of  the  United  States 
forces  now  at  Monterey. 

Article  II.  That  the  Mexican  forces  be  allowed  to  retain  the 
following  arms,  to  wit : the  commissioned  officers  their  side-arms, 
,the  infantry  their  arms  and  accoutrements,  the  cavalry  their  arms 
and  accoutrements,  the  artillery  one  field  battery,  not  to  exceed  six 
pieces,  with  twenty-one  rounds  of  ammunition. 

Article  III.  That  the  Mexican  armed  forces  retire,  within 
seven  days  from  this  date,  beyond  the  line  formed  by  the  pass  of 
Rinconada,  the  city  of  Linares  and  San  Fernando  de  Preras. 

Article  IV.  That  the  citadel  of  Monterey  be  evacuated  by  the 
Mexican  and  occupied  by  the  American  forces  to-morrow  morning 
at  ten  o’clock. 

Article  V.  To  avoid  collisions,  and  for  mutual  convenience, 
that  the  troops  of  the  United  States  will  not  occupy  the  city  until 
the  Mexican  forces  have  withdrawn,  except  for  hospital  and  storage 
purposes. 

Article  VI.  That  the  forces  of  the  United  States  will  not  ad- 
vance beyond  the  line  specified  in  the  3d  article,  before  the  expira- 
tion of  eight  weeks,  or  until  orders  or  instructions  of  the  respective 
governments  can  be  received. 

Article  VII.  That  the  public  property  to  be  delivered,  shall  be 
turned  over  and  received  by  officers  appointed  by  the  commanding 
generals  of  the  two  armies. 

Article  VIII.  That  all  doubts  as  to  the  meaning  of  any  of  the 


Taylor’s  defence  of  the  capitulation.  51 

preceding  articles,  shall  be  solved  by  an  equitable  construction,  or 
on  principles  of  liberality  to  the  retiring  army. 

Article  IX.  That  the  Mexican  flag,  when  struck  at  the  citadel, 
may  be  saluted  by  its  own  battery. 

In  the  transactions  attending  the  capture  of  the  city,  General  Tay- 
lor had  hoped  to  secure  the  approbation  of  government.  In  this, 
however,  he  was  disappointed.  Not  only  were  the  terms  considered 
as  entirely  too  lenient,  but  he  was  even  blamed  for  not  having  car- 
ried the  defences  by  assault,  and  thus  making  the  garrison  uncondi- 
tional prisoners.  Time,  however,  has  shown  that  by  such  a course 
his  little  army  would  have  endured  appalling  loss  without  corre- 
sponding advantages  to  balance  it ; and  that  General  Taylor’s  course, 
dictated  as  it  was  by  humanity  and  honour,  was  the  most  advanta- 
geous to  his  troops  and  to  the  country,  that  he  could  possibly  have 
adopted.  This  will  appear  evident  from  the  following  statements, 
made  by  the  General  himself,  in  reply  to  a letter  from  the  Adjutant 
General : 

“ The  convention  presents  two  distinct  points : First,  the  permis- 
sion granted  the  Mexican  army  to  retire  with  their  arms,  &c. 
Secondly,  the  temporary  cessation  of  hostilities  for  the  term  of  eight 
weeks.  I shall  remark  on  these  in  order. 

“ The  force  with  which  I marched  on  Monterey  was  limited  by 
causes  beyond  my  control,  to  about  six  thousand  men.  With  this 
force,  as  every  military  man  must  admit,  who  has  seen  the  ground, 
it  was  entirely  impossible  to  invest  Monterey  so  closely  as  to  prevent 
the  escape  of  the  garrison.  Although  the  main  communication  with 
the  interior  was  in  our  possession,  yet  one  route  was  open  to  the 
Mexicans  throughout  the  operations,  and  could  not  be  closed,  as 
were  also  other  minor  tracks  and  passes  tlnrough  the  mountains. 
Had  we,  therefore,  insisted  on  more  rigorous  terms  than  those 
granted,  the  result  would  have  been  the  escape  of  the  body  of  the 
Mexican  force,  with  the  destruction  of  its  artillery  and  magazines, 
our  only  advantage  being  the  capture  of  a few-  prisoners  of  war,  at 
the  expense  of  valuable  lives  and  much  damage  to  the  city.  The 
consideration  of  humanity  was  present  to  my  mind  during  the  con 
ference  which  led  to  the  convention,  and  outweighed,  in  my  judg- 
ment, the  doubtful  advantages  to  be  gained  by  a resumption  of  the 
attack  upon  the  town.  This  conclusion  has  been  fully  confirmed 
by  an  inspection  of  the  enemy’s  position  and  means  since  the  sur- 

C 


52 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


/ 


render.  It  Was  discovered  that  his  principal  magazine,  containing 
an  immense  amount  of  powder,  was  in  the  Cathedral,  completely- 
exposed  to  our  shells  from  two  directions.  The  explosion  of  this 
mass  of  powder,  which  must  have  ultimately  resulted  from  a con- 
tinuance of  the  bombardment,  would  have  been  infinitely  disastrous, 
involving  the  destruction  not  only  of  Mexican  troops,  but  of  non- 
combatants,  and  even  our  own  people,  had  we  pressed  the  attack. 

“ In  regard  to  the  temporary  cessation  of  hostilities,  the  fact  that 
we  are  not  at  this  moment,  within  eleven  days  of  the  termination  of 
the  period  fixed  by  the  convention,  prepared  to  move  forward  in 
force,  is  a sufficient  explanation  of  the  military  reasons  which  dic- 
tated this  suspension  of  arms.  It  paralyzed  the  enemy  during  a 
period  when,  from  the  want  of  necessary  means,  we  could  not  pos- 
sibly move.  I desire  distinctly  to  state,  and  to  call  the  attention  of 
the  authorities  to  the  fact,  that,  with  all  diligence  in  breaking  mules 
and  setting  up  wagons,  the  first  wagons  in  addition  to  our  original 
train  from  Corpus  Christi,  (and  but  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  in 
number,)  reached  my  head-quarters  on  the  same  day  with  the  sec- 
retary’s communication  of  October  13th,  viz  : the  2d  inst.  At  the 
date  of  the  surrender  of  Monterey,  our  force  had  not  more  than  ten 
days’  rations,  and  even  now,  with  all  our  endeavours,  we  have  not 
more  than  twenty-five.  The  task  of  fighting  and  beating  the 

ENEMY  IS  AMONG  THE  LEAST  DIFFICULT  THAT  WE  ENCOUNTER the 

great  question  of  supplies  necessarily  controls  all  the  operations  in  a 
country  like  this.  At  the  date  of  the  convention,  I could  not  of 
course  have  foreseen  that  the  Department  would  direct  an  important 
detachment  from  my  command  without  consulting  me,  or  without 
waiting  the  result  of  the  main  operation  under  my  orders. 

“ I have  touched  the  prominent  military  points  involved  in  the 
convention  of  Monterey.  There  were  other  considerations  which 
weighed  with  the  commissioners  in  framing,  and  with  myself  in  ap- 
proving the  articles  of  the  convention.  In  the  conference  with 
General  Ampudia,  I was  distinctly  told  by  him  that  he  had  invited 
it  to  spare  the  further  effusion  of  blood,  and  because  General  Santa 
Anna  had  declared  himself  favourable  to  peace.  I knew  that  our 
government  had  made  propositions  to  that  of  Mexico  to  negotiate, 
and  I deemed  that  the  change  of  government  in  that  country  since 
my  instructions,  fully  warranted  me  in  entertaining  considerations 
of  policy.  My  grand  motive  in  moving  forward  with  very  limhed 


COLONEL  DAVIS  DEFENDS  THE  CAPITULATION.  53 

supplies  had  been  to  increase  the  inducements  of  the  Mexican  gov- 
ernment to  negotiate  for  peace.  Whatever  may  be  the  actual  views 
or  disposition  of  the  Mexican  rulers  or  of  General  Santa  Anna,  it  is 
not  unknown  to  the  government  that  I had  the  very  best  reason  for 
believing  the  statement  of  General  Ampudia  to  be  true.  It  was  my 
opinion  at  the  time  of  the  convention,  and  it  has  not  been  changed, 
that  the  liberal  treatment  of  the  Mexican  army,  and  the  suspension 
of  arms,  would  exert  none  but  a favourable  influence  in  our  behalf. 

“ The  result  of  the  entire  operation  has  been  to  throw  the  Mexi- 
can army  back  more  than  three  hundred  miles  to  the  city  of  San 
Luis  Potosi,  and  to  open  the  country  to  us  as  far  as  we  choose  to 
penetrate  it  up  to  the  same  point. 

“ It  has  been  my  purpose  in  this  communication  not  so  much  to 
defend  the  convention  from  the  censure  which  I deeply  regret  to 
find  implied  in  the  secretary’s  letter,  as  to  show  that  it  was  not 
adopted  without  cogent  reasons,  most  of  which  occur  of  themselves 
to  the  minds  of  all  who  are  acquainted  with  the  condition  of  things 
here.  To  that  end  I beg  that  it  may  be  laid  before  the  General-in- 
chief and  Secretary  of  War.” 

Colonel  Jeflerson  Davis,  one  of  the  American  commissioners  to 
negotiate  the  capitulation,  speaks  as  follows  on  the  same  point : — 

“ It  is  demonstrable,  from  the  position  and  known  prowess  of  the 
two  armies,  that  we  could  drive  the  enemy  from  the  town  ; but  the 
town  was  untenable  whilst  the  main  fort  (called  the  new  citadel) 
remained  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Being  without  siege  artillery 
or  entrenching  tools,  we  could  only  hope  to  carry  this  fort  by  storm, 
after  a heavy  loss  from  our  army ; which,  isolated  in  a hostile  coun- 
try, now  numbered  less  than  half  the  forces  of  the  enemy.  When 
all  this  had  been  achieved,  what  more  would  we  have  gained  than 
by  the  capitulation  ? 

“ General  Taylor’s  force  was  too  small  to  invest  the  town.  It 
was,  therefore,  always  in  the  power  of  the  enemy  to  retreat,  bear- 
ing his  light  arms.  Our  army,  poorly  provided,  and  with  very  in- 
sufficient transportation,  could  not  have  overtaken,  if  they  had  pur- 
sued the  flying  enemy.  Hence  the  conclusion,  that  as  it  was  not 
in  our  power  to  capture  the  main  body  of  the  Mexican  army,  it  is 
unreasonable  to  suppose  their  general  would  have  surrendered  at 
discretion.  The  moral  effect  of  retiring  under  the  capitulation  was 
certainly  greater  than  if  the  enemy  had  retired  without  our  consent 


54 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


By  this  course  we  secured  the  large  supply  of  ammunition  he  had 
collected  in  Monterey— which,  had  the  assault  been  continued,  must 
have  been  exploded  by  our  shells,  as  it  was  principally  stored  in  the 
‘Cathedral,’  which,  being  supposed  to  be  filled  with  troops,  was  the 
especial  aim  of  our  pieces.  The  destruction  which  this  explosion 
would  have  produced  must  have  involved  the  advance  of  both  divi- 
sions of  our  troops  ; and  I commend  this  to  the  contemplation  of 
those  whose  arguments  have  been  drawn  from  facts  learned  since 
the  commissioners  closed  their  negotiations.” 

Such  was  also  the  opinion  of  General  Worth,  and  such  has  been 
the  decision  of  the  American  people. 

General  Taylor  now  established  his  head-quarters  at  Monterey 
despatching  General  Worth  with  twelve  hundred  men  and  eight 
pieces  of  artillery  to  Saltillo,  and  Brigadier-General  Wool,  who  had 
just  arrived  from  his  expedition  into  the  centre,  with  his  column  of 
twenty-four  hundred  men  and  six  pieces  toward  the  town  of  Parras. 
General  Butler  took  command  of  the  reserve  during  the  absence  of 
General  Patterson.  The  whole  army  did  not  exceed  forty-five  hun- 
dred men.  Even  this  small  number  was  still  further  reduced  by 
sickness  and  other  causes. 

Meanwhile  a revolution  at  the  capital  had  placed  General  Santa 
Anna  at  the  head  of  Mexican  affairs.  Instead  of  assuming  the 
presidential  chair,  to  which  he  was  invited,  this  active  officer  placed 
himself  at  the  head  of  the  army,  and  commenced  the  most  exten- 
sive preparations  for  organizing  a force  sufficient  to  resist  the 
further  progress  of  General  Ta^dor.  His  movements  attracted  the 
notice  of  the  American  government,  which  immediately  transmitted 
orders  to  Taylor  to  terminate  the  armistice. 

In  order  to  raise  supplies  for  the  army,  the  Secretary  of  War  in- 
structed Taylor  to  resort  to  the  miserable  system  of  forced  contribu- 
tions upon  the  inhabitants.  Part  of  his  instructions  to  this  effect 
were  as  follows : 

“ It  is  far  from  being  certain  that  our  military  occupation  of  the 
enemy’s  country  is  not  a blessing  to  the  inhabitants  in  the  vicinity. 
They  are  shielded  from  the  burdens  and  exactions  of  their  own  au- 
thorities, protected  in  their  persons,  and  furnished  with  a most  pro- 
fitable market  for  most  kinds  of  their  property.  A state  of  things 
so  favourable  to  their  interests  may  induce  them  to  wish  the  con- 
iinuance  of  hostilities. 


INSTRUCTIONS  CONCERNING  SUPPLIES. 


55 


“ The  instructions  heretofore  given  have  required  you  to  treat 
with  great  kindness  the  people,  to  respect  private  property,  and  to 
ab&tain  from  appropriating  it  to  the  public  use,  without  purchase  at 
a fair  price.*  In  some  respects,  this  is  going  far  beyond  the  common 
requirements  of  civilized  warfare.  An  invading  army  has  the  un- 
questionable right  to  draw  its  supplies  from  the  enemy  without  pay- 
ing for  them,  and  to  require  contributions  for  its  support.  It  may 
be  proper,  and  good  policy  requires  that  discriminations  should  be 
made  in  imposing  these  burdens.  Those  who  are  friendly  disposed 
or  contribute  aid  should  be  treated  with  liberality ; yet  the  enemy 
may  be  made  to  feel  the  weight  of  the  war,  and  thereby  become 
interested  to  use  their  best  efforts  to  bring  about  a state  of  peace. 

“It  is  also  but  just  that  a nation  which  is  involved  in  a war,  to 
obtain  justice  or  to  maintain  its  just  rights,  should  shift  the  burden  of 
it,  as  far  as  practicable,  from  itself,  by  throwing  it  upon  the  enemy. 

“ Upon  the  liberal  principles  of  civilized  warfare,  either  of  three 
modes  may  be  pursued  in  relation  to  obtaining  supplies  from  the 
enemy ; first  to  purchase  them  on  such  terms  as  the  inhabitants  of 
the  country  may  choose  to  exact ; second,  to  pay  a fair  price  with- 
out regard  to  the  enhanced  value  resulting  from  the  presence  of  a 
foreign  army ; and  third,  to  require  them  as  contributions,  without 
paying  or  engaging  to  pay  therefor. 

“The  last  mode  is  the  ordinary  one,  and  you  are  instructed  to 
adopt  it,  if  in  that  way  you  are  satisfied  you  can  get  abundant  sup- 
plies for  your  forces  ; but  should  you  apprehend  a difficulty  in  this 
respect,  then  you  will  adopt  the  policy  of  paying  the  ordinary  price, 
without  allowing  to  the  owners  the  advantages  of  the  enhancement 
of  the  price  resulting  from  the  increased  demand.  Should  you  ap- 
prehend a deficiency  under  this  last  mode  of  dealing  with  the  in- 
habitants, you  will  be  obliged  to  submit  to  their  exactions,  provided 
by  this  mode  you  can  supply  your  wants  on  better  terms  than  by 
drawing  what  you  may  need  from  the  United  States.  Should  you 
attempt  to  supply  your  troops  by  contributions,  or  the  appropriation 
of  private  property,  you  will  be  careful  to  exempt  the  property  of 
all  foreigners  from  any  and  all  exactions  whatsoever.  The  Presi- 
dent hopes  you  will  be  able  to  derive  from  the  enemy’s  country, 
without  expense  to  the  United  States,  the  supplies  3mu  may  need, 
or  a considerable  part  of  them ; but  should  you  fail  in  this,  yon  will 
procure  them  in  the  most  economical  manner.” 


/ 

56  MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 

To  these  suggestions  General  Taylor  replied,  that  it  would  have 
been  impossible  before  and  was  then  to  sustain  the  army  to  any 
extent  by  forced  contributions  of  money  or  supplies.  The  country 
between  the  Rio  Grande  and  Sierra  Madre  being  poor,  furnishing 
only  corn  and  beef,  these  articles  were  obtained  at  moderate  rates ; 
but  if  a different  system  had  been  adopted,  it  was  certain  that  they 
would  not  have  been  procured  at  all  in  sufficient  quantities.  The 
prompt  payment  in  cash,  for  the  few  articles  of  supply  drawn  from 
the  country,  neutralized  much  of  the  unfriendly  feeling  with  which 
the  army  was  regarded,  and  contributed  greatly  to  facilitate  opera- 
tions. The  people  had  it  in  their  power  at  any  time  to  destroy 
their  crops,  and  would  undoubtedly  have  done  so,  rather  than  see 
them  taken  forcibly.  Added  to  which  they  would  have  had  no 
inducements  to  plant  again.  The  prices  paid  were  reasonable, 
being  in  almost  all  cases  the  prices  of  the  country. 

On  the  15th  of  December,  General  Taylor  left  Monterey  for  Vic- 
toria; but  on  arriving  at  Montemorelos  he  received  information 
from  General  Worth,  that  Santa  Anna  designed  taking  advantage  of 
the  diversion  of  force  toward  Victoria,  by  a rapid  movement  strike  a 
heavy  blow  at  Saltillo,  and  if  successful,  another  at  General  Wool 
in  Parras.  In  view  of  this  intelligence,  the  commander  thought 
proper  to  return  to  Monterey  with  the  regular  force,  and  thus  be  in 
a position  to  reinforce  Saltillo  if  necessary.  This  was  accordingly 
done,  while  at  the  same  time  Generals  Butler  and  Wool  hastened 
forward  to  join  General  Worth.  On  the  20th,  General  Taylor 
received  further  information,  that  the  expected  attack  on  Saltillo 
had  not  taken  place,  and  accordingly  he  resumed  his  march  for 
Victoria. 

On  the  29th,  General  Ouitman  entered  Victoria  without  opposi- 
tion. A body  of  fifteen  hundred  cavalry  had  been  stationed  there, 
but  fell  back  at  the  approach  of  the  Americans.  On  the  4th  of 
January,  Taylor  arrived  there  with  General  Twiggs’  division,  and 
on  the  same  day  was  joined  by  the  force  brought  by  General  Pat- 
terson from  Matamoras. 

About  this  time  General  Taylor  received  from  Major-General 
Scott,  a demand  for  the  greater  portion  of  his  troops,  in  order  to 
assist  in  the  contemplated  operations  on  the  Gulf  coast.  Scott  had 
been  appointed  to  supersede  Taylor  in  the  command  of  the  army  in 
Mexico,  and  finding -his  force  inadequate  to  an  attack  on  Vera  Cruz, 


GENERAL  TAYLOR. 


TAYLOR  DEPRIVED  OF  HIS  TROOPS. 


57 


the  first  object  of  the  campaign,  he  was  obliged  to  increase  it  by  a 
draft  from  his  brother  officer.  The  following  is  an  extract  of  his 
letter : — 

“ But,  my  dear  general,  I shall  be  obliged  to  take  from  you  most 
of  the  gallant  officers  and  men  (regulars  and  volunteers)  whom  you 
have  so  long  and  so  nobl}^  commanded.  I am  afraid  that  I shall, 
by  imperious  necessity  — the  approach  of  yellow  fever  on  the  gulf 
coast  — reduce  you,  for  a time,  to  stand  on  the  defensive.  This 
will  be  infinitely  painful  to  you,  and,  for  that  reason,  distressing  to 
me.  But  I rely  upon  your  patriotism  to  submit  to  the  temporary 
sacrifice  with  cheerfulness.  No  man  can  better  afford  to  do  so. 
Recent  victories  place  you  on  that  high  eminence ; and  I even  flat- 
ter myself  that  any  benefit  that  may  result  to  me,  personally,  from 
the  unequal  division  of  troops  alluded  to,  will  lessen  the  pain  of  your 
consequent  inactivity. 

“ You  will  be  aware  of  the  recent  call  for  nine  regiments  of  new 
volunteers,  including  one  of  Texas  horse.  The  president  may  soon 
ask  for  many  more ; and  we  are  not  without  hope  that  Congress 
may  add  ten  or  twelve  to  the  regular  establishment.  These,  by  the 
spring,  say  April,  may,  by  the  aid  of  large  bounties,  be  in  the 
field  — should  Mexico  not  earlier  propose  terms  of  accommodation  ; 
and,  long  before  the  spring  (March),  it  is  probable  you  will  be  again 
in  force  to  resume  offensive  operations.” 

In  obedience  to  this  command,  almost  all  the  regular  troops,  com- 
prising the  divisions  of  Generals  Worth  and  Patterson,  the  brigades 
of  Quitman  and  Twiggs,  and  all  other  corps  which  could  possibly 
be  drawn  from  the  field  of  operations  around  the  Rio  Grande,  were 
ordered  to  Yera  Cruz.  Five  hundred  regulars  were  left,  together 
with  four  thousand  five  hundred  newly  arrived  volunteers. 

At  parting  with  his  veteran  companions  General  Taylor  delivered 
the  following  brief  but  admirable  address  : 

“It  is  with  deep  sensibility  that  the  commanding  general  finds 
himself  separated  from  the  troops  he  so  long  commanded.  To 
those  corps,  regular  and  volunteers,  who  have  shared  with  him  the 
active  services  of  the  field,  he  feels  the  attachment  due  to  such  asso- 
ciations, while  to  those  who  are  making  their  first  campaign,  he 
must  express  his  regret  that  he  cannot  participate  with  them  in  its 
eventful  scenes.  To  all,  both  officers  and  men,  he  extends  his 
heart-felt  wishes  for  their  continued  success  and  happiness,  confi- 


58 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


dent  that  their  achievements  on  another  theatre  will  redound  to  the 
credit  of  their  country  and  its  arms.” 

After  the  departure  of  his  troops,  General  Taylor  again  retired 
to  Monterey,  where  he  remained  until  apprised  of  the  certain  ap- 
proach of  Santa  Anna.  He  then  pushed  forward  to  Agua  Nueva, 
twenty  miles  south  of  Saltillo,  where  he  remained  until  the  21st  of 
February.  Learning  that  the  Mexicans  were  advancing  in  great 
force,  he  fell  back  twelve  miles  nearer  Saltillo,  to  the  defile  called 
Angostura,  which  faces  the  hacienda  of  Buena  Vista.  Here,  with 
his  little  army  of  five  thousand  men,  he  awaited  the  arrival  of  twenty 
thousand. 

On  the  22d  of  February,  the  anniversary  of  Washington’s  birth- 
day, the  Mexican  host  were  seen  approaching  over  the  distant  hills. 
It  was  a glorious  spectacle,  and  even  those  who  had  never  faced  an 
enemy,  felt  their  bosoms  bounding  with  courage  and  enthusiasm, 
as  the  glittering  masses  of  Santa  Anna’s  cavalry  poured  down  into 
the  plains  below.  All  fear  was  flung  to  the  wind ; silently  and 
sternly  that  little  band  gathered  round  its  leader  and  waited  the  fear- 
ful shock. 

Angostura  is  a position  of  remarkable  natural  strength.  The 
main  road  from  Saltillo  to  San  Luis  there  passes  between  closely 
approximating  chains  of  mountains.  The  bases  of  these  mountains 
are  cut  by  occasional  torrents  of  rain  into  numerous  deep  gullies, 
almost  impassable,  owing  to  the  ruggedness  and  steepness  of  the 
banks,  leaving  between  them  elevated  table-lands  or  plateaus  of 
various  extent.  The  American  army  was  drawn  up  nearly  at  right 
angles  to  the  road,  its  chief  force  being  on  the  east  of  it,  occupying 
a large  plateau  commanding  the  mountain  side.  Facing  the  south 
this  force  constituted  the  left  wing.  A battery  of  light  artillery  oc- 
cupied the  road,  and  the  right  wing  rested  on  the  opposite  hill. 

At  about  noon  on  the  21st,  a white  flag  was  brought  to  General 
Taylor,  with  the  following  communication  from  Santa  Anna : 

“You  are  surrounded  by  twenty  thousand  men,  and  cannot  in 
any  human  probability  avoid  suffering  a rout,  and  being  cut  to  pieces 
with  your  troops  ; but  as  you  deserve  consideration  and  particular 
esteem,  I wish  to  save  you  from  a catastrophe,  and  for  that  purpose 
give  you  this  notice,  in  order  that  you  may  surrender  at  discretion, 
under  the  assurance  that  you  will  be  treated  with  the  consideration 
belonging  to  the  Mexican  character;  to  which  end  you  will  be 


BATTLE-GROUND  AND  VICINITY 


OF 

BTOlfA 

FEBEITART  22a  AND  23a,  18  4 7. 


A.  Right  of  the  American  Army. 

B.  Battery  of  light  artillery  posted  on  the  road. 

C.  Left  of  the  American  Army  on  tne  *•  platean.” 

D.  D.  Mexican  Army  before  the  battle  on  the  22d. 


c 


(59) 


60 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


/ 


granted  an  hour’s  time  to  make  up  your  mind,  to  commence  from 
the  moment  when  my  flag  of  truce  arrives  in  your  camp. 

“With  this  view  I assure  you  of  my  particular  consideration.” 

General  Taylor  replied  as  follows : 

“In  reply  to  your  note  of  this  date,  summoning  me  to  surrender 
my  forces  at  discretion,  I beg  leave  to  say  that  I decline  acceding 
to  your  request. 

“ With  high  respect,  I am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant.” 

We  give  an  account  of  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista  in  General 
Taylor’s  own  words,  as  contained  in  his  official  despatch  to  govern- 
ment : — 

“ The  information  which  reached  me  of  the  advance  and  concen- 
tration of  a heavy  Mexican  force  in  my  front,  had  assumed  such  a 
probable  form,  as  to  induce  a special  examination  far  beyond  the 
reach  of  our  pickets,  to  ascertain  its  correctness.  A small  party  of 
Texan  spies,  under  Major  McCulloch,  despatched  to  the  hacienda 
of  Encarnacion,  thirty  miles  from  this,  on  the  route  to  San  Luis 
Potosi,  had  reported  a cavalry  force  of  unknown  strength  at  that 
place.  On  the  20th  of  February,  a strong  reconnoissance  under 
Lieutenant-Colonel  May  was  despatched  to  the  hacienda  of  Hecli- 
onda,  while  Major  McCullough  made  another  examination  of  Encar- 
nacion. The  result  of  these  expeditions  left  no  doubt  that  the 
enemy  was  in  large  force  at  Encarnacion,  under  the  orders  of  Gen- 
eral Santa  Anna,  and  that  he  meditated  a forward  movement  and 
attack  upon  our  position. 

“ As  the  camp  of  Agua  Nueva  could  be  turned  on  either  flank,  • 
and  as  the  enemy’s  force  was  greatly  superior  to  our  own,  particu- 
larly in  the  arm  of  cavalry,  I determined,  after  much  consideration, 
to  take  up  a position  about  eleven  miles  in  rear,  and  there  await  the 
attack.  The  army  broke  up  its  camp  and  marched  at  noon  on  the 
21st,  encamping  at  the  new  position  a little  in  front  of  the  hacienda 
of  Buena  Vista.  With  a small  force  I proceeded  to  Saltillo,  to  make 
some  necessary  arrangements  for  the  defence  of  the  town,  i@eving 
Brigadier-General  Wool  in  the  immediate  command  of  the  troops. 

“ Before  those  arrangements  were  completed,  on  the  morning  of 
tne  22d,  I was  advised  that  the  enemy  w^as  in  sight,  advancing. 
Upon  reaching  the  ground,  it  was  found  that  his  cavalry  advance 
was  in  our  front,  having  marched  from  Encarnacion,  as  we  have 
dnee  learned,  at  11  o’clock  on  the  day  previous,  and  driving  in  a 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


61 


mounted  force  left  at  Agua  Nueva  to  cover  the  removal  of  public 
stores.  Our  troops  were  in  position,  occupying  a line  of  remarkable 
strength.  The  road  at  this  point  becomes  a narrow  defile,  the  val- 
ley on  its  right  being  rendered  quite  impracticable  for  artillery  by  a 
system  of  deep  and  impassable  gullies,  while  on  the  left  a succes- 
sion of  rugged  ridges  and  precipitous  ravines  extends  far  back  toward 
the  mountain  which  bounds  the  valley.  The  features  of  the  ground 
were  such  as  nearly  to  paralyze  the  artillery  and  cavalry  of  the 
enemy,  while  his  infantry  could  not  derive  all  the  advantage  of  its 
numerical  superiority.  In  this  position  we  prepared  to  receive  him. 
Captain  Washington’s  battery  (4th  artillery)  was  posted  to  command 
the  road,  while  the  1st  and  2d  Illinois  regiments,  under  Colonels 
Hardin  and  Bissell,  each  eight  companies  (to  the  latter  of  which 
was  attached  Captain  Conner’s  company  of  Texas  volunteers,)  and 
the  2d  Kentucky,  under  Colonel  McKee,  occupied  the  crests  of  the 
ridges  on  the  left  and  in  rear.  The  Arkansas  and  Kentucky  regi- 
ments of  cavalry,  commanded  by  Colonels  Yell  and  H.  Marshall, 
occupied  the  extreme  left  near  the  base  of  the  mountain,  while  the 
Indiana  brigade,  under  Brigadier-General  Lane  (composed  of  the 
2d  and  3d  regiments,  under  Colonels  Bowles  and  Lane),  the  Missis- 
sippi riflemen,  under  Colonel  Davis,  the  squadrons  of  the  1st  and  2d 
dragoons,  under  Captain  Steen  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  May,  and 
the  light  batteries  of  Captains  Sherman  and  Bragg,  3d  artillery,  were 
held  in  reserve. 

“ At  eleven  o’clock  I received  from  General  Santa  Anna  a sum- 
mons to  surrender  at  discretion,  which,  with  a copy  of  my  reply,  I 
have  already  transmitted.  The  enemy  still  forbore  his  attack,  evi- 
dently waiting  for  the  arrival  of  his  rear- columns,  which  could  be 
distinctly  seen  by  our  look-outs  as  they  approached  the  field.' . A 
demonstration  made  on  his  left  caused  me  to  detach  the  2d  Ken- 
tucky regiment  and  a section  of  artillery  to  our  right,  in  which  posi- 
tion they  bivouacked  for  the  night.  In  the  mean  time  the  Mexican 
light  troops  had  engaged  ours  on  the  extreme  left  (composed  of  parts 
of  the  Kentucky  and  Arkansas  cavalry  dismounted,  and  a rifle  bat- 
talion from  the  Indiana  brigade,  under  Major  Gorman,  the  whole 
commanded  by  Colonel  Marshall),  and  kept  up  a sharp  fire,  climb 
ing  the  mountain  side,  and  apparently  endeavouring  to  gain  our 
flank.  Three  pieces  of  Captain  Washington’s  battery  had  been  de- 
tached to  the  left,  and  were  supported  by  the  2d  Indiana  regiment. 

6 


62 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


An  occasional  shell  was  thrown  by  the  enemy  into  this  part  of  our 
line,  but  without  effect.  The  skirmishing*  of  the  light  troops  was 
kept  up  with  trifling  loss  on  our  part  until  dark,  when  I became 
convinced  that  no  serious  attack  would  be  made  before  the  morning, 
and  returned,  with  the  Mississippi  regiment  and  squadron  of  2d 
dragoons,  to  Saltillo.  The  troops  bivouacked  without  fires,  and  laid 
upon  their  arms.  A body  of  cavalry,  some  fifteen  hundred  strong, 
had  been  visible  all  day  in  rear  of  the  town,  having  entered  the  val- 
ley through  a narrow  pass  east  of  the  city.  This  cavalry,  com- 
manded by  General  Minon,  had  evidently  been  thrown  in  our  rear 
to  break  up  and  harass  our  retreat,  and  perhaps  make  some  attempt 
against  the  town  if  practicable.  The  city  was  occupied  by  four  ex- 
cellent companies  of  Illinois  volunteers,  under  Major  Warren  of  the 
1st  regiment.  A field-w^ork,  which  commanded  most  of  the  ap- 
proaches, was  garrisoned  by  Captain  Webster’s  company,  1st  artil- 
lery, and  armed  with  two  24-pound  howitzers,  while  the  train  and 
head-quarter  camp  was  guarded  by  two  companies  of  Mississippi 
riflemen,  under  Captain  Rogers,  and  a field-piece  commanded  by 
Captain  Shover,  3d  artillery.  Having  made  these  dispositions  for 
the  protection  of  the  rear,  I proceeded  on  the  morning  of  the  23d  to 
Buena  Vista,  ordering  forward  all  the  other  available  troops.  The 
action  had  commenced  before  my  arrival  on  the  field. 

“ During  the  evening  and  night  of  the  22d  the  enemy  had  thrown 
a body  of  light  troops  on  the  mountain  side,  with  the  purpose  of 
outflanking  our  left ; and  it  was  here  that  the  action  of  the  23d 
commenced  at  an  early  hour.  Our  riflemen,  under  Colonel  Mar- 
shall, who  had  been  reinforced  by  three  companies  under  Major 
Trail,  2d  Illinois  volunteers,  maintained  their  ground  handsomely 
against  a greatly  superior  force,  holding  themselves  under  cover,  and 
using  their  weapons  with  deadly  effect.  About  eight  o’clock  a 
strong  demonstration  was  made  against  the  centre  of  our  position,  a 
heavy  column  moving  along  the  road.  This  force  w’as  soon  dis- 
persed by  a few  rapid  and  well-directed  shots  from  Captain  Wash- 
ington’s battery.  In  the  mean  time  the  enemy  was  concentrating 
a large  force  of  infantry  and  cavalry  under  cover  of  the  ridges,  with 
the  obvious  intention  of  forcing  our  left,  which  was  posted  on  an 
extensive  plateau.  The  2d  Indiana  and  2d  Illinois  regiments  formed 
this  part  of  our  line,  the  former  covering  three  pieces  of  light  artil- 
lery, under  the  orders  of  Captain  O’Brien — Brigadier-General  Lane 


(64) 


TAYLOR  AT  BUENA  VISTA. 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


65 


being  in  the  immediate  command.  In  order  to  bring  his  men  with- 
in effective  range,  General  Lane  ordered  the  artillery  and  2d  In- 
diana regiment  forward.  The  artillery  advanced  within  musket 
range  of  a heavy  body  of  Mexican  infantry,  and  was  served  against 
it  with  great  effect,  but  without  being  able  to  check  its  advance. 
The  infantry  ordered  to  its  support  had  fallen  back  in  disorder,  being 
exposed,  as  well  as  the  battery,  not  only  to  a severe  fire  of  small 
arms  from  the  front,  but  also  to  a murderous  cross-fire  of  grape  and 
canister  from  a Mexican  battery  on  the  left.  Captain  O’Brien  found 
it  impossible  to  retain  his  position  without  support,  but  was  only  able 
to  withdraw  two  of  his  pieces,  all  the  horses  and  cannoneers  of  the 
third  piece  being  killed  or  disabled.  The  2d  Indiana  regiment, 
which  had  fallen  back  as  stated,  could  not  be  rallied,  and  took  no 
farther  part  in  the  action,  except  a handful  of  men,  who,  under  its 
gallant  colonel,  Bowles,  joined  the  Mississippi  regiment,  and  did 
good  service,  and  those  fugitives  who,  at  a later  period  in  the  day, 
assisted  in  defending  the  train  and  depot  at  Buena  Vista.  This  por- 
tion of  our  line  having  given  way,  and  the  enemy  appearing  in 
overwhelming  force  against  our  left  flank,  the  light  troops  which 
had  rendered  such  good  service  on  the  mountain  were  compelled  to 
withdraw,  which  they  did,  for  the  most  part,  in  good  order.  Many, 
however,  were  not  rallied  until  they  reached  the  depot  at  Buena 
Vista,  to  the  defence  of  which  they  afterward  contributed. 

“ Colonel  Bissell’s  regiment  (2d  Illinois),  which  had  been  joined 
by  a section  of  Captain  Sherman’s  battery,  had  become  completely 
outflanked,  and  was  compelled  to  fall  back,  being  entirely  unsup- 
ported. The  enemy  was  now  pouring  masses  of  infantry  and 
cavalry  along  the  base  of  the  mountain  on  our  left,  and  was  gaining 
our  rear  in  great  force.  At  this  moment  I arrived  upon  the  field. 
The  Mississippi  regiment  had  been  directed  to  the  left  before  reach- 
ing the  position,  and  immediately  came  into  action  against  the 
Mexican  infantry  which  had  turned  our  flank.  The  2d  Kentucky 
regiment  and  a section  of  artillery  under  Captain  Bragg,  had  pre 
viously  been  ordered  from  the  right  to  reinforce  our  left,  and  arrived 
at  a most  opportune  moment.  That  regiment,  and  a portion  of  the 
1st  Illinois,  under  Colonel  Hardin,  gallantly  drove  the  enemy,  and 
recovered  a portion  of  the  ground  we  had  lost.  The  batteries  of 
Captains  Sherman  and  Bragg  w^ere  in  position  on  the  plateau,  and 
did  much  execution,  not  only  in  front,  but  particularly  upon  the 


66 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


masses  which  had  gained  our  rear.  Discovering  that  the  enemy 
was  heavily  pressing  upon  the  Mississippi  regiment,  the  3d  Indiana 
regiment,  \mder  Colonel  Lane,  was  despatched  to  strengthen  that 
part  of  our  line,  which  formed  a crotchet  perpendicular  to  the  first 
line  of  battle.  At  the  same  time  Lieutenant  Kilburn,  with  a piece 
of  Captain  Bragg’s  battery,  was  directed  to  support  the  infantry 
there  engaged.  The  action  was  for  a long  time  warmly  sustained 
at  that  point — the  enemy  making  several  efibrts  both  with  infantry 
and  cavalry  against  our  line^  and  being  always  repulsed  with  heavy 
loss.  I had  placed  all  the  regular  cavalry  and  Captain  Pike’s 
squadron  of  Arkansas  horse  under  the  orders  of  Brevet  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  May,  with  directions  to  hold  in  cheek  the  enemy’s  column, 
still  advancing  to  the  rear  along  the  base  of  the  mountain,  which 
was  done  in  conjunction  with  the  Kentucky  and  Arkansas  cavalry 
under  Colonels  Marshall  and  Y^ll. 

“ In  the  mean  time  our  left,  which  was  still  strongly  threatened 
by  a superior  force,  was  farther  strengthened  by  the  detachment  of 
Captain  Bragg’s,  and  a portion  of  Captain  Sherman’s  batteries  to 
that  quarter.  The  concentration  of  artillery  fire  upon  the  masses 
of  the  enemy  along  the  base  of  the  mountain,  and  the  determined 
resistance  ofiered  by  the  two  regiments  opposed  to  them,  had  created 
confusion  in  their  ranks,  and  some  of  the  corps  attempted  to  effect 
a retreat  upon  their  main  line  of  battle.  The  squadron  of  the  1st 
dragoons,  under  Lieutenant  Rucker,  was  now  ordered  up  the  deep 
ravine  which  these  retreating  corps  were  endeavouring  to  cross,  in 
order  to  charge  and  disperse  them.  The  squadron  proceeded  to 
the  point  indicated,  but  could  not  accomplish  the  object,  being  ex- 
posed to  a heavy  fire  from  a battery  established  to  cover  the  retreat 
of  those  corps.  While  the  squadron  was  detached  on  this  service, 
a large  body  of  the  enemy  was  observed  to  concentrate  on  our 
treme  left,  apparently  with  the  view  of  making  a descent  upon  the 
hacienda  of  Buena  Vista,  where  our  train  and  baggage  were  de- 
posited. Lieutenant-Colonel  May  was  ordered  to  the  support  of 
that  point,  with  two  pieces  of  Captain  Sherman’s  battery  under 
Lieutenant  Reynolds.  In  the  mean  time,  the  scattered  forces  near 
^he  hacienda,  composed  in  part  of  Majors  Trail  and  Gorman’s  com- 
mands, had  been  to  some  extent  organized  under  the  advice  of 
Major  Monroe,  chief  of  artillery,  with  the  assistance  of  Major  Mor- 
rison, volunteer  staff,  and  were  posted  to  defend  the  position.  Before 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


67 


our  cavalry  had  reached  the  hacienda,  that  of  the  enemy  had  made 
its  attack ; having  been  handsomely  met  by  the  Kentucky  and  Ar- 
kansas cavalry  under  Colonels  Marshall  and  Yell,  The  Mexican 
column  immediately  divided,  one  portion  sweeping  by  the  depot, 
where  it  received  a destructive  fire  from  the  force  which  had  col- 
lected there,  and  then  gaining  the  mountain  opposite,  under  a fire 
from  Lieutenant  Reynolds’s  section,  the  remaining  portion  regaining 
the  base  of  the  mountain  on  our  left.  In  the  charge  at  Buena 
Vista,  Colonel  Yell  fell  gallantly  at  the  head  of  his  regiment ; we 
also  lost  Adjutant  Vaughan,  of  the  Kentucky  cavalry  — a young 
officer  of  much  promise.  Lieutenant-Colonel  May,  who  had  been 
rejoined  by  the  squadron  of  the  1st  dragoons  and  by  portions  of  the 
Arkansas  and  Indiana  troops,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Roane  and 
Major  Gorman,  now  approached  the  base  of  the  mountain,  holding 
in  check  the  right  flank  of  the  enemy,  upon  whose  masses,  crowded 
in  the  narrow  gorges  and  ravines,  our  artillery  was  doing  fearful 
execution. 

“ The  position  of  that  portion  of  the  Mexican  army  which  had 
gained  our  rear  was  now  very  critical,  and  it  seemed  doubtful  whe- 
ther it  could  regain  the  main  body.  At  this  moment  I received 
from  General  Santa  Anna  a message  by  a staff  officer,  desiring  to 
know  what  I wanted  ? I immediately  despatched  Brigadier-General 
Wool  to  the  Mexican  general-in-chief,  and  sent  orders  to  cease 
firing.  Upon  reaching  the  Mexican  lines  General  Wool  could  not 
cause  the  enemy  to  cease  their  fire,  and  accordingly  returned  with- 
out having  an  interview.  The  extreme  right  of  the  enemy  conti- 
nued its  retreat  along  the  base  of  the  mountain,  and  finally,  in 
spite  of  all  our  efforts,  effected  a junction  •with  the  remainder  of 
the  army. 

“ During  the  day,  the  cavalry  of  General  Minon  had  ascended  the 
elevated  plain  above  Saltillo,  and  occupied  the  road  from  the  city  to 
the  field  of  battle,  where  they  intercepted  several  of  our  men. 
Approaching  the  town,  they  were  fired  upon  by  Captain  Webster 
from  the  redoubt  occupied  by  his  company,  and  then  moved  off 
towards  the  eastern  side  of  the  valley,  and  obliquely  towards  Buena 
Vista.  At  this  time.  Captain  Shover  moved  rapidly  forward  with 
his  piece,  supported  by  a miscellaneous  command  of  mounted  volun 
teers,  and  fired  several  shots  at  the  cavalry  with  great  effect.  They 
were  driven  into  the  ravines  which  lead  to  the  lower  valley,  closely 


68  MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 

pursued  by  Captain  Shover,  who  was  farther  supported  by  a piece 
of  Captain  Webster’s  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Donaldson,  which 
had  advanced  from  the  redoubt,  supported  by  Captain  Wheeler’s 
company  of  Illinois  volunteers.  The  enemy  made  one  or  two 
efforts  to  charge  the  artillery,  but  was  finally  driven  back  in  a con- 
fused mass,  and  did  not  again  appear  upon  the  plain. 

“ In  the  mean  time,  the  firing  had  partially  ceased  upon  the  princi- 
pal field.  The  enemy  seemed  to  confine  his  efforts  to  the  protection 
of  his  artillery,  and  I had  left  the  plateau  for  a moment,  when  I ^ 
was  recalled  thither  by  a very  heavy  musketry  fire.  On  regaining 
that  position,  I discovered  that  our  infantry  (Illinois  and  second 
Kentucky)  had  engaged  a greatly  superior  force  of  the  enemy  — 
evidently  his  reserve  — and  that  they  had  been  overwhelmed  by 
numbers.  The  moment  was  most  critical.  Captain  O’Brien,  with 
two  pieces,  had  sustained  this  heavy  charge  to  the  last,  and  was 
finally  obliged  to  leave  his  guns  on  the  field  — his  infantry  support 
being  entirely  routed.  Captain  Bragg,  who  had  just  arrived  from 
'the  left,  was  ordered  at  once  into  battery.  Without  any  infantry 
to  support  him,  and  at  the  imminent  risk  of  losing  his  guns,  this 
officer  came  rapidly  into  action,  the  Mexican  line  being  but  a few 
yards  from  the  muzzle  of  his  pieces.  The  first  discharge  of  canister 
caused  the  enemy  to  hesitate,  the  second  and  third  drove  him  back 
in  disorder,  and  saved  the  day.  The  2d  Kentucky  regiment, 
which  had  advanced  beyond  supporting  distance  in  this  affair,  was 
driven  back  and  closely  pressed  by  the  enemy’s  cavalry.  Taking 
a ravine  which  led  in  the  direction  of  Captain  Washington’s  battery, 
their  pursuers  became  exposed  to  his  fire,  which  soon  checked  and 
drove  them  back  with.  loss.  In  the  mean  time  the  rest  of  our  artil- 
lery had  taken  position  on  the  plateau,  covered  by  the  Mississippi 
and  3d  Indiana  regiments,  the  former  of  which  had  reached  the 
ground  in  time  to  pour  a fire  into  the  right  fiank  of  the  enemy,  and 
thus  contribute  to  his  repulse.  In  this  last  conflict  we  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  sustain  a very  heavy  loss.  Colonel  Hardin,  1st  Illinois, 
and  Colonel  McKee  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay,  2d  Kentucky 
regiment,  fell  at  this  time  while  gallantly  leading  their  commands. 

“ No  farther  attempt  was  made  by  the  enemy  to  force  our  position, 
and  the  approach  of  night  gave  an  opportunity  to  pay  proper  atten- 
tion to  the  wounded,  and  also  to  refresh  the  soldiers,  who  had  been 
exhausted  by  incessant  watchfulness  and  combat.  Though  the 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


69 


night  was  severely  cold,  the  troops  were  compelled  for  the  most  to 
bivouac  without  fires,  expecting  that  morning  would  renew  the  con- 
flict. During  the  night  the  wounded  were  removed  to  Saltillo,  and 
every  preparation  made  to  receive  the  enemy,  should  he  again 
attack  our  position.  Seven  fresh  companies  were  drawn  from  the 
town,  and  Brigadier-General  Marshall,  with  a reinforcement  of 
Kentucky  cavalry  and  four  heavy  guns,  under  Captain  Prentiss, 
first  artillery,  was  near  at  hand,  when  -it  was  discovered  that  the 
enemy  had  abandoned  his  position  during  the  night.  Our  scouts 
soon  ascertained  that  he  had  fallen  back  upon  Agua  Nueva.  The 
great  disparity  of  numbers,  and  the  exhaustion  of  our  troops,  ren- 
dered it  inexpedient  and  hazardous  to  attempt  pursuit.  A staff 
officer  was  despatched  to  General  Santa  Anna  to  negotiate  an  ex- 
change of  prisoners,  which  was  satisfactorily  completed  on  the  fol- 
lowing day.  Our  own  dead  were  collected  and  buried,  and  the 
Mexican  wounded,  of  which  a large  number  had  been  left  upon  the 
field,  were  removed  to  Saltillo,  and  rendered  as  comfortable  as  cir- 
cumstances would  permit. 

“ On  the  evening  of  the  26th,  a close  reconnoissance  was  made  of 
the  enemy’s  position,  which  was  found  to  be  occupied  only  by  a 
small  body  of  cavalry,  the  infantry  and  artillery  having  retreated  in 
the  direction  of  San  Luis  Potosi.  On  the  27th,  our  troops  resumed 
their  former  camp  at  Agua  Nueva,  the  enemy’s  rear-guard  evacu- 
ating the  place  as  we  approached,  leaving  a considerable  number 
of  wounded.  It  was  my  purpose  to  beat  up  his  quarters  at  Encar- 
nacion  early  the  next  morning,  but  upon  examination,  the  weak 
condition  of  the  cavalry  horses  rendered  it  unadvisable  to  attempt 
so  long  a march  without  water.  A command  was  finally  des- 
patched to  Encarnacion,  on  the  1st  of  March,  under  Colonel  Belk- 
nap. Some  two  hundred  wounded,  and  about  sixty  Mexican 
soldiers  were  found  there,  the  army  having  passed  on  in  the 
direction  of  Matehaala,  with  greatly  reduced  numbers,  and  suffering 
much  from  hunger.  The  dead  and  dying  were  strewed  upon  the 
road,  and  crowded  the  buildings  of  the  hacienda. 

“The  American  force  engaged  in  the  action  of  Buena  Vista  is 
shown,  by  the  accompanying  field  report,  to  have  been  three  hun- 
dred and  thirty-four  officers,  and  four  thousand  four  hundred  and 
twenty-five  men,  exclusive  of  the  small  command  left  in  and  near 
Saltillo.  Of  this  number,  two  squadrons  of  cavalry  and  three  bat- 


70 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


teries  of  light  artillery,  making  not  more  than  four  hundred  and 
fifty-three  men,  composed  the  only  force  of  regular  troops.  The 
strength  of  the  Mexican  army  is  stated  by  General  Santa  Anna,  in 
his  summons,  to  be  twenty  thousand  ; and  that  estimate  is  confirmed 
by  all  the  information  since  obtained.  Out  loss  is  two  hundred  and 
sixty-seven  killed,  four  hundred  and  fifty-six  wounded,  and  twent}?-- 
three  missing.  Of  the  numerous  wounded,  many  did  not  require 
removal  to  the  hospital,  and  it  is  hoped  that  a comparatively  small 
number  will  be  permanently  disabled.  The  Mexican  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded  may  be  fairly  estimated  at  one  thousand  five  hundred, 
and  will  probably  reach  two  thousand.  At  least  five  hundred  of 
their  killed  were  left  upon  the  field  of  battle.  We  have  no  means 
of  ascertaining  the  number  of  deserters  and  dispersed  men  from 
their  ranks,  but  it  is  known  to  be  very  great. 

“Our  loss  has  been  especially  severe  in  officers,  twenty-eight 
having  been  killed  upon  the  field.  We  have  to  lament  the  death 
of  Captain  George  Lincoln,  Assistant  Adjutant-General,  serving  in 
the  staff  of  General  Wool  — a young  officer  of  high  bearing  and 
approved  gallantry,  who  fell  early  in  the  action.  No  loss  falls  more 
heavily  upon  the  army  in  the  field  than  that  of  Colonels  Hardin  and 
McKee,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay.  Possessing  in  a remarkable 
degree  the  confidence  of  their  commands,  and  the  last  two  having 
enjoyed  the  advantage  of  a military  education,  I had  looked  particu- 
larly to  them  for  support,  in  case  we  met  the  enemy.  I need  not 
say  that  their  zeal  in  engaging  the  enemy,  and  the  cool  and  stead- 
fast courage  with  which  they  maintained  their  positions  during  the 
day,  fully  realized  my  hopes,  and  caused  me  to  feel  yet  more  sen- 
sibly their  untimely  loss. 

“ I perform  a grateful  duty  in  bringing  to  the  notice  of  the  gov- 
ernment the  general  good  conduct  of  the  troops.  Exposed  for  suc- 
cessive nights,  without  fires,  to  the  severity  of  the  weather,  they 
were  ever  prompt  and  cheerful  in  the  discharge  of  every  duty  ; and 
finally  displayed  conspicuous  steadiness  and  gallantry  in  repulsing, 
at  great  odds,  a disciplined  foe.  While  the  brilliant  success  achieved 
by  their  arms  releases  me  from  the  painful  necessity  of  specifying 
many  cases  of  bad  conduct  before  the  enemy,  I feel  an  increased 
obligation  to  mention  particular  corps  and  officers,  whose  skill,  cool- 
ness, and  gallantry  in  trying  situations,  and  under  a continued  and 
heavy  fire,  seem  to  merit  particular  notice. 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


71 


“To  Brigadier-General  Wool  my  obligations  are  especially  due. 
The  high  state  of  discipline  and  instruction  of  several  of  the  volun- 
teer regiments  was  attained  under  his  command,  and  to  his  vigilance 
and  arduous  service  before  the  action,  and  his  gallantry  and  activity 
on  the  field,  a large  share  of  our  success  may  justly  be  attributed. 
During  most  of  the  engagement  he  was  in  immediate  command  of 
the  troops  thrown  back  on  our  left  flank.  I beg  leave  to  recommend 
him  to  the  favourable  notice  of  the  government.  Brigadier-General 
Lane  (slightly  wounded)  was  active  and  zealous  throughout  the  day, 
and  displayed  great  coolness  and  gallantry  before  the  enemy. 

“ The  services  of  the  light  artillery,  always  conspicuous,  were 
more  than  usually  distinguished.  Moving  rapidly  over  the  roughest 
ground,  it  was  always  in  action  at  the  right  place  and  the  right 
time,  and  its  well-directed  fire  dealt  destruction  in  the  masses  of  the 
enemy.  While  I recommend  to  particular  favour  the  gallant  con- 
duct and  valuable  services  of  Major  Munroe,  chief  of  artillery,  and 
Captains  Washington,  4th  artillery,  and  Sherman  and  Bragg,  3d 
artillery,  commanding  batteries,  I deem  it  no  more  than  just  to  men- 
tion all  the  subaltern  officers.  They  were  nearly  all  detached  at 
different  times,  and  in  every  situation  exhibited  conspicuous  skill 
and  gallantry.  Captain  O’Brien,  Lieutenants  Brent,  Whiting,  and 
Couch,  4th  artillery,  and  Bryan,  Topographical  Engineers,  (slightly 
wounded,)  were  attached  to  Captain  Washington’s  battery.  Lieu- 
tenants Thomas,  Reynolds,  and  French,  3d  artillery,  (severely 
wounded,)  to  that  of  Captain  Sherman ; and  Captain  Shover  and 
Lieutenant  Kilburn,  3d  artillery,  to  that  of  Captain  Bragg.  Cap- 
tain Shover,  in  conjunction  with  Lieutenant  Donaldson,  1st  artilleiy, 
rendered  gallant  and  important  service  in  repulsing  the  cavalry  of 
General  Minon.  The  regular  cavalry,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel 
May,  with  which  was  associated  Captain  Pike’s  squadron  of  Ar- 
kansas horse,  rendered  useful  service  in  holding  the  enemy  in  check 
and  in  covering  the  batteries  at  several  points.  Captain  Steen,  1st 
dragoons,  was  severely  wounded  early  in  the  day,  while  gallantly 
endeavouring,  with  my  authority,  to  rally  the  troops  which  were 
falling  to  the  rear. 

“The  Mississippi  riflemen,  under  Colonel  Davis,  were  highly 
conspicuous  for  their  gallantry  and  steadiness,  and  sustained  through- 
out the  engagement  the  reputation  of  veteran  troops.  Brought 
into  action  against  an  immensely  superior  force,  they  maintained 


72 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


themselves  for  a long  time  unsupported  and  with  heavy  loss,  and 
held  an  important  part  of  the  field  until  reinforced.  Colonel  Davis, 
though  severely  wounded,  remained  in  the  saddle  until  the  close  of 
the  action.  His  distinguished  coolness  and  gallantry  at  the  head 
of  his  regiment  on  this  day  entitle  him  to  the  particular  notice  of 
the  government.  The  3d  Indiana  regiment,  under  Colonel  Lane, 
and  a fragment  of  the  2d,  under  Colonel  Bowles,  were  associated 
with  the  Mississippi  regiment  during  the  greater  portion  of  the  day, 
and  acquitted  themselves  creditably  in  repulsing  the  attempts  of  the 
enemy  to  break  that  portion  of  our  line.  The  Kentucky  cavalry, 
under  Colonel  Marshall,  rendered  good  service  dismounted,  acting 
as  light  troops  on  our  left,  and  afterward,  with  a portion  of  the 
Arkansas  regiment,  in  meeting  and  dispersing  the  column  of  cavalry 
at  Buena  Vista.  The  1st  and  2d  Illinois,  and  the  2d  Kentucky 
regiments,  served  immediately  under  my  eye,  and  I bear  a willing 
testimony  to  their  excellent  conduct  throughout  the  day.  The  spirit 
and  gallantry  with  which  the  1st  Illinois  and  2d  Kentucky  engaged 
the  enemy  in  the  morning,  restored  confidence  to  that  part  of  the 
field,  while  the  list  of  casualties  will  show  how  much  these  three 
regiments  suffered  in  sustaining  the  heavy  charge  of  the  enemy  in 
the  afternoon.  Captain  Conner’s  company  of  Texas  volunteers, 
attached  to  the  2d  Illinois  regiment,  fought  bravely,  its  captain  being 
wounded  and  two  subalterns  killed.  Colonel  Bissell,  the  only  sur- 
viving colonel  of  these  regiments,  merits  notice  for  his  coolness  and 
bravery  on  this  occasion.  After  the  fall  of  the  field-ofiicers  of  the 
1st  Illinois  and  2d  Kentucky  regiments,  the  command  of  the  former 
devolved  upon  Lieutenant-Colonel  Weatherford ; that  of  the  latter 
upon  Major  Fry. 

“Regimental  commanders. and  others  who  have  rendered  reports, 
speak  in  general  terms  of  the  good  conduct  of  their  officers  and  men, 
and  have  specified  many  names,  but  the  limits  of  this  report  forbid  a 
recapitulation  of  them  here.  I may,  however,  mention  Lieutenants 
Rucker  and  Campbell  of  the  dragoons,  and  Captain  Pike,  Arkansas 
cavalry,  commanding  squadrons ; Lieutenant-Colonel  Field,  Ken- 
tucky cavalry;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Roane,  Arkansas  cavalry,  upon 
whom  the  command  devolved  after  the  fall  of  Colonel  Yell ; Major 
Bradford,  Captain  Sharpe  (severely  wounded),  and  Adjutant  Griffith, 
Mississippi  regiment;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hadden,  2d  Indiana  regi- 
ment, and  Lieutenant  Robinson,  aid-de-camp  to  General  Lane ; 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


73 


Lieutenant-Colonel  Weatherford,  1st  Illinois  regiment;  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Morrison,  Major  Trail,  and  Adjutant  Whiteside  (severely 
wounded),  2d  Illinois  regiment ; and  Major  Fry,  2d  Kentucky  regi- 
ment, as  being  favourably  noticed  for  gallantry  and  good  conduct. 
Major  McCulloch,  quartermaster  in  the  volunteer  service,  rendered 
important  services  before  the  engagement,  in  the  command  of  a spy 
company,  and  during  the  affair  was  associated  with  the  regular 
cavalry.  To  Major  Warren,  1st  Illinois  volunteers,  I feel  much  in- 
debted for  his  firm  and  judicious  course,  while  exercising  command 
in  the  city  of  Saltillo. 

“ The  medical  staff,  under  the  able  direction  of  Assistant-Surgeon 
Hitchcock,  were  assiduous  in  attention  to  the  wounded  upon  the 
field,  and  in  their  careful  removal  to  the  rear.  Both  in  these  respects, 
and  in  the  subsequent  organization  and  service  of  the  hospitals,  the 
administration  of  this  department  was  everything  that  could  be 
wished. 

“ Brigadier-General  Wool  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  officers  of 
his  staff,  and  I take  pleasure  in  mentioning  them  here,  having  wit- 
nessed their  activity  and  zeal  upon  the  field.  Lieutenant  and  Aid- 
de-camp  McDowell,  Colonel  Churchill,  inspector-general,  Captam 
Chapman,  assistant  quartermaster.  Lieutenant  Sitgreaves,  Topo- 
graphical Engineers,  and  Captains  Howard  and  Davis,  volunteer 
service,  are  conspicuously  noticed  by  the  general  for  their  gallantry 
and  good  conduct.  Messrs.  March,  Addicks,  Potts,  Harrison,  Bur- 
gess, and  Dusenbery,  attached  in  various  capacities  to  General 
Wool’s  head-quarters,  are  likewise  mentioned  for  their  intelligent 
alacrity  in  conveying  orders  to  all  parts  of  the  field. 

“ In  conclusion,  I beg  leave  to  speak  of  my  own  staff,  to  whose 
exertions  in  rallying  troops  and  communicating  orders  I feel  greatly 
indebted.  Major  Bliss,  assistant  adjutant-general.  Captain  J.  H. 
Eaton,  and  Lieutenant  R.  S.  Garnett,  aids-de-camp,  served  near  my 
person,  and  were  prompt  and  zealous  in  the  discharge  of  every 
duty.  Major  Munroe,  beside  rendering  valuable  service  as  chief 
of  artillery,  was  active  and  instrumental,  as  were  also  Colonels 
Churchill  and  Belknap,  inspectors-general,  in  rallying  troops  and 
disposing  jhem  for  the  defence  of  the  train  and  baggage.  Colonel 
Whiting,  quartermaster-general,  and  Captain  Eaton,  chief  of  the 
subsistence  department,  were  engaged  with  the  duties  of  their  de- 
partments, and  also  served  in  my  immediate  staff  on  the  field.  Cap- 
7 


74 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


tain  Sibley,  assistant  quartermaster,  was  necessarily  left  with  the 
head-quarter  camp  near  town,  where  his  services  were  highly  use- 
ful. Major  Mansfield  and  Lieutenant  Benham,  Engineers,  and 
Captain  Linnard  and  Lieutenants  Pope  and  Franklin,  Topographical 
Engineers,  were  employed  before  and  during  the  engagement  in 
making  reconnoissances,  and  on  the  field  were  active  in  bringing 
information  and  in  conveying  my  orders  to  distant  points.  Lieu- 
tenant Kingsbury,  in  addition  to  his  proper  duties  as  ordnance 
officer.  Captain  Chilton,  assistant  quartermaster,  and  Majors  Dix 
and  Coffee,  served  also  as  extra  aids-de-camp,  and  were  actively 
employed  in  the  transmission  of  orders.  Mr.  Thomas  L.  Critten- 
den, of  Kentucky,  though  not  in  service,  volunteered  as  my  aid-de- 
camp  on  this  occasion,  and  served  with  credit  in  that  capacity. 
Major  Craig,  chief  of  ordnance,  and  Surgeon  Craig,  medical  director, 
had  been  detached  on  duty  from  head-quarters,  and  did  not  reach 
the  ground  until  the  morning  of  the  24th — too  late  to  participate  in 
the  action,  but  in  time  to  render  useful  services  in  their  respective 
departments  of  the  staff.” 

The  following  extracts  from  a letter  of  General  Taylor  to  General 
Butler  are  important,  as  being  more  free  and  circumstantial,  both 
in  style  and  matter,  than  can  possibly  be  expected  in  an  official 
report : — 

“ In  the  morning  of  the  23d,  at  sunrise,  the  enemy  renewed  the 
contest  with  an  overwhelming  force  — with  artillery,  infantry,  and 
dragoons  — which  lasted  with  slight  intermissions  until  dark.  A 
portion  of  the  time  the  conflict  was  much  the  severest  I have  ever 
witnessed,  particularly  towards  the  latter  part  of  the  day,  when  he 
(Santa  Anna)  brought  up  his  reserve,  and  in  spite  of  every  effort  on 
our  part,  after  the  greatest  exertions  I have  ever  witnessed  on  both 
sides,  drove  us  by  an  immense  superiority  of  numbers  for  some  dis- 
tance, He  had  at  least  five  to  one  at  that  point  against  us.  Fortu- 
nately, at  the  most  critical  moment,  two  pieces  of  artillery  which  I 
had  ordered  up  to  support  that  part  of  our  line,  met  our  exhausted 
men  retreating,  when  they  were  brought  into  battery  and  opened  on 
the  enemy,  then  within  fifty  yards  in  hot  pursuit,  with  canister  and 
grape,  which  brought  him  to  a halt  and  soon  compelled  him  to  fall 
back.  In  this  tremendous  contest  we  lost  three  pieces  of  artillery, 
nearly  all  the  men  having  been  killed  or  crippled,  which  put  it  out 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA.  75 

of  our  power  to  bring  them  off;  nor  did  I deem  it  advisable  to 
attempt  to  regain  them. 

“ The  enemy  made  his  principal  efforts  against  our  flanks.  He 
was  handsomely  repulsed  on  our  right,  but  succeeded  early  in  the 
day  in  gaining  our  left,  in  consequence  of  the  giving  way  of  one  of 
the  volunteer  regiments,  which  could  not  be  rallied;  with  but  few 
exceptions,  the  greater  portion  retiring  about  a mile  to  a large  rancho 
or  farm-house,  where  our  wagons  and  a portion  of  our  stores  were 
left.  These  were  soon  after  attacked  by  the  enemy’s  cavalry,  who 
were  repulsed  with  some  loss. 

“ For  several  hours  the  fate  of  the  day  was  extremely  doubtful ; 
so  much  so  that  I was  urged  by  some  of  the  most  experienced 
officers  to  fall  back  and  take  a new  position.  This  I knew  it  would 
never  do  to  attempt  with  volunteers,  and  at  once  declined  it.  The 
scene  had  now  become  one  of  the  deepest  interest.  Between  the 
several  deep  ravines,  there  were  portions  of  level  land  from  one  to 
four  hundred  yards  in  extent,  which  became  alternately  points  of 
attack  and  defence,  after  our  left  was  turned,  by  both  sides.  These 
extended  along  and  near  the  base  of  the  mountain  for  about  two 
miles,  and  the  struggle  for  them  may  be  very  appropriately  com- 
pared to  a game  of  chess.  Night  put  a stop  to  the  contest,  and, 
strange  to  say,  both  armies  occupied  the  same  positions  they  did  in 
the  morning  before  the  battle  commenced.  Our  artillery  did  more 
than  wonders. 

“We  lay  on  our  arms  all  night,  as  we  had  done  the  two  pre 
vious  ones,  without  fires,  there  being  no  wood  to  be  had,  and  the 
mercury  below  the  frerzing  point,  ready  and  expecting  to  renew  the 
contest  the  next  morning ; but  we  found  at  daylight  the  enemy  had 
retreated  during  the  night,  leaving  his  killed  and  many  of  his 
wounded  for  us  to  bury  and  take  care  of — carrying  off  every  thing 
else,  and  taking  up  a position  at  this  place.  We  did  not  think  it 
advisable  to  pursue,  not  knowing  whether  he  would  renew  the 
attack,  continue  his  retreat,  or  wished  to  draw  us  from  our  strong 
position  ; but  contented  ourselves  with  watching  his  movements 
closely. 

“ The  loss  on  both  sides  was  very  great,  as  you  may  suppose  — 
enough  so  on  ours  to  cover  the  whole  country  with  mourning,  for 
some  of  the  noblest  and  purest  of  the  land  have  fallen.  We  had 
two  hundred  and  forty  killed,  and  five  hundred  wounded.  The 
D 


76 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


/ 


enemy  has  suffered  in  still  greater  numbers,  but  as  the  dead  and 
wounded  are  scattered  all  over  the  country,  it  is  difficult  to  ascertain 
their  number.  The  prisoners  who  have  fallen  into  our  hands,  be- 
tween two  and  three  hundred  — enough  to  exchange  for  all  that 
have  been  taken  from  us  — as  well  as  some  medical  officers  left 
behind  to  take  care  of  the  wounded,  say  that  their  killed  and 
wounded  is  not  less  than  fifteen  hundred,  and  they  say  perhaps 
more. 

“I  hope  the  greater  portion  of  the  good  people  of  the  country 
will  be  satisfied  with  what  we  have  done  on  this  occasion.  I fiatter 
myself  that  our  compelling  a Mexican  army  of  more  than  twenty 
thousand  men,  completely  organized,  and  led  by  their  chief  magis- 
trate, to  retreat,  with  less  than  five  hundred  regulars  and  about  four 
thousand  volunteers,  will  meet  their  approval.  I had  not  a single 
company  of  regular  infantry ; the  whole  was  taken  from  me.” 

The  character  of  this  great  battle  is  thus  given  by  the  able  editor 
of  the  Baltimore  American : — 

It  appears  that  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista  was  really  fought  by 
less  than  five  thousand  Americans  against  twenty  thousand  Mexi- 
cans. With  a proportion  of  five  to  one  against  us,  in  point  of  num- 
bers, it  is  to  be  remembered  too  that  the  Mexicans  were  regular 
soldiers,  while  nearly  nine-tenths  of  our  troops  were  volunteers  on 
their  first  campaign.  With  the  exception  of  the  Mississippi  regi- 
ment, which  fought  at  Monterey,  the  rest  of  the  volunteers  met  an 
enemy  in  the  field  for  the  first  time  at  Buena  Vista.  We  may  then 
estimate,  in  some  sort,  the  valour  of  those  brave  men  who  stood  for 
nine  hours  against  overwhelming  numbers,  firm  in  their  own  heroism, 
indomitable  in  spirit,  inflexible  in  purpose,  rolling  back  the  tide  of 
war,  as  rocks  repel  the  surges  of  the  ocean,  and  finally  standing 
victorious  on  that  field  of  terrific  strife.  The  standard  of  the  republic 
never  streamed  over  a battle-field  more  gallantly  won.  General 
Taylor’s  loss  in  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  was  nearly  oae-sixth 
of  his  entire  force.  Yet,  when  the  battle  ceased  on  the  evening  of 
the  23d,  and  a renewal  of  the  fight  was  expe;pted  with  the  next 
day’s  dawn,  what  record  do  we  find  of  that  epoch  of  suspense ! 
Here  it  is  : — ‘ During  the  night,’  says  General  Taylor,  ‘ the  wounded 
were  removed  to  Saltillo,  and  every  preparation  made  to  receive  the 
enemy,  should  he  again  attack  our  position.’  There  was  no  mis- 
giving in  that  little  band. 


FIELD  AFTER  THE  BATTLE 


REMARKS  ON  THE  BATTLE. 


79 


“This  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  remarkable  in  many  points  of  view, 
IS  particularly  so  as  exhibiting  extraordinary  steadiness,  endurance, 
and  courage,  on  the  part  of  raw  troops  exposed  to  fire  for  the  first 
time.  Here  was  a pitched  battle  entered  upon  deliberately;  an 
enemy  immensely  superior  in  numbers;  regular  troops,  commanded 
by  the  ablest  and  most  experienced  general  in  Mexico ; and  this 
battle  to  be  fought  in  open  field,  without  fortifications  or  intrench- 
ments,  was  awaited  by  our  soldiers,  who  lay  upon  their  arms  on  the 
night  of  the  22d,  knowing  that  the  morning’s  light  would  usher  in  a 
'^y  of  conflict  and  carnage.  It  was  a crisis  to  try  veterans  ; it  was 
met  by  men  who  less  than  a year  before  were  engaged  in  every 
variety  of  industrial  pursuit  in  peaceful  life,  who  had  never  seen  a 
battle  or  met  a foe. 

“ While  these  facts  demonstrate  unyielding  elements  of  hardihood 
and  courage  in  the  men  who  fought  at  Buena  Vista,  they  indicate 
also  the  high  and  commanding  character  of  the  officers  who  brought 
those  sterling  materials  into  order  and  efficiency.  Those  lamented 
sons  of  Kentucky,  McKee  and  Clay,  the  gallant  Davis  of  Mississippi, 
and  others,  educated  at  West  Point,  added  all  the  aids  of  military 
knowledge  to  their  own  heroic  bearing  in  the  discipline  of  their 
troops  and  in  the  inspiration  of  confidence,  so  essential  to  success  in 
war.  But  where  the  blaze  of  glory  concentrates  with  most  particular 
lustre,  its  brilliant  light  falls  upon  the  calm  countenance  of  the 
general-in-chief,  Taylor,  the  invincible,  to  whom  all  eyes  were  turned 
in  every  crisis  of  danger — who  formed  in  himself  the  stay  and  bul- 
wark of  the  hopes  of  his  army — the  only  man,  perhaps,  who  would 
have  fought  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista  ; the  only  man,  probably,  who 
could  have  won  it.  Imperturbable  and  self-possessed,  he  held  the 
battle  in  his  eye ; and  amid  the  storm  and  fury  of  the  strife  he  in- 
spired renewed  courage  by  his  presence  at  every  point  of  danger. 
With  such  a commander  and  such  troops,  victory  is  fast  bound  to 
our  standard,  let  it  float  where  it  may.” 

Such  was  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista.  Long  will  it  be  remembered 
in  the  history  of  our  country.  Coming  ages  will  muse  upon  its  im- 
portant issues,  its  terrible  charges,  its  sickening  slaughter  with 
astonishment  and  awe  ; and  the  man  who  gained  it  will  one  day  be 
accounted  as  one  of  the  greatest  among  living  generals. 

The  battle  of  Buena  Vista  has  been  the  crowning  act  of  Taylor’s 


80 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


career.  He  retired  soon  after  to  Monterey,  where  want  of  supplies 
still  forces  him  to  remain. 

The  following  remarks  upon  General  Taylor  are  made  by  Ser- 
geant Harris  of  the  army,  who  is  of  course  personally  acquainted 
with  him : — 

“ The  character  of  General  Taylor  is  pretty  much  what  it  is  re- 
presented. He  is  mild  and  affable,  yet  firm  and  unflinching.  If  a 
soldier  under  his  command  thinks  he  is  aggrieved,  it  is  to  the  gene- 
ral he  looks  for  redress,  and  never  fails  in  getting  it,  in  case  General 
Taylor,  on  inquiry,  ascertains  it  to  be  well  founded.  The  ‘old 
man,’  as  he  is  familiarly  termed  by  officers  and  men,  is  approach- 
able at  all  hours.  He  will  sit  and  talk  with  the  commonest  soldier 
in  the  most  affable  manner,  and  my  informant  tells  me  that  he  has 
often  wondered  at  seeing  him  enter  minutely  into  the  private  affairs 
of  the  soldiers  under  his  command,  give  them  his  advice  when 
asked,  as  it  frequently  is,  and  when  that  is  over,  read  to  them  from 
the  newspapers  the  anecdotes  of  the  army,  which  have  made  their 
way  into  print  in  the  northern  cities,  at  which  he  would  laugh  as 
heartily  as  any  of  them.  He  is  beloved  by  all  in  his  command, 
officers  and  men.  Ail  take  pleasure  in  obeying  his  commands ; 
and  when  an  order  is  given  by  him,  there  is  emulation  among  all 
who  hear  it,  to  obey  it.  His  treatment  of  the  Mexicans  is  marked 
with  the  same  urbanity.  They,  according  to  my  informant,  at  least 
such  of  them  as  have  been  in  the  habit  of  serving  the  camp  with 
milk  and  other  little  nick  nacks,  love  him  as  much  as  his  own  sol 
diers  do. 

“ On  a certain  occasion  one  of  these  poor  creatures  complained 
to  Lt  Capitana,  that  a volunteer  had  entered  his  rancho,  and  ap- 
propriated to  his  own  use  some  of  his  edibles,  without  paying  for 
them.  Now  this  was  a breach  of  orders  which  General  Taylor 
could  not  overlook,  so  he  had  the  marauder  identified  by  the  Mexi- 
can, and  brought  before  him.  The  general  examined  and  cross- 
examined  him,  in  relation  to  the  offence,  for  upwards  of  two  hours, 
at  the  end  of  which  time  he  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  the  volun- 
teer was  not  quite  so  much  to  blame  as  the  accuser  represented,  but 
thought  him  deserving  of  some  punishment,  and  what  was  the 
punishment  do  you  suppose  he  inflicted  upon  him  ? Why  he  di- 
rected a barrel  to  be  placed  in  front  of  his  tent,  directed  the  volun- 
teer to  mount  it,  and  kept  him  standing  there  for  two  hours.  At  the 


TRAITS  OF  Taylor’s  character. 


81 


end  of  which  he  gave  him  a few  words  about  not  doing  the  like 
again,  &c.,  and  sent  him  back  to  his  quarters.  Occasionally  it  oc- 
curs that  a man  will  want  to  write  a letter  to  his  friends,  and  has  no 
materials  to  do  so.  Without  hesitation  he  applies  to  the  ‘ old  man,’ 
and  gets  all  he  wants,  pen,  ink,  and  paper,  and  wafer,  which  comes 
from  his  private  stock,  which  is  always  at  the  service  of  the  soldiers. 

“We  have  all  heard  the  soubriquet  of  Rough  and  Ready  had  its 
origin  in  the  Florida  war,  in  which  General  Taylor  treated  the  red 
skins  in  the  roughest  way  and  in  the  readiest  manner ; but  I have 
not  seen  it  stated  when  it  was  first  used  in  this  war.  According  to 
Sergeant  Harris,  it  was  in  this  way : After  the  memorable  battles 
of  Resaca  de  la  Palma  and  Palo  Alto,  the  old  general  directed  the 
men  to  be  brought  up  before  him  in  review,  which  was  of  course 
done.  While  reviewing  them  to  see,  no  doubt,  how  they  looked 
after  their  scrimmage  with  the  yellow  bellies,  an  old  soldier,  who 
served  under  him  in  the  Florida  war,  proposed  at  the  top  of  his 
voice,  ‘Three  cheers  for  old  Rough  and  Ready;’  which  were 
given  with  all  the  honours.  As  soon  as  they  had  subsided,  the  old 
general,  every  feature  in  his  open  countenance  speaking  volumes, 
gracefully  took  off  his  chapeau,  and  returned  thanks,  and  added, 
‘ Gentlemen,  I would  be  happy  to  treat  you  all,  but  I have  got 
nothing  except  some  Rio  Grande  water  with  which  to  do  it.’ 

“ On  one  occasion,  a volunteer  getting  tired  of  discipline,  thought 
he  would  relieve  himself  of  it  for  a time  at  least,  and  with  that  view 
absented  himself  for  a week  without  leave,  and  made  a trip  to  the 
country.  As  soon  as  his  absence  was  known  to  the  camp  he  was 
proclaimed  a deserter,  and  men  sent  in  pursuit  of  him.  He  returned, 
however,  before  he  was  arrested,  and  immediately  made  his  way 
to  the  old  general,  and  told  him  in  mitigation  of  punishment,  that 
ne  was  always  accustomed  to  open  backwood  life,  and  it  went  hard 
with  him  to  be  confined  so  much.  ‘Well,  (said  the  general,)  don’t 
do  so  again,  my  boy,  without  leave,’  and  directed  him  to  go  to  his 
quarters.  That  man,  says  my  informant,  thinks  General  Taylor 
the  best  man  living,  and  he  would  willingly  lose  life  itself  at  his 
bidding. 

“ General  Taylor’s  modesty  is  equalled  by  his  magnanimity.  It 
was  not  known  in  camp  until  three  weeks  after  it  was  known  to  the 
general  himself,  that  he  had  received  a brevet,  and  all  the  army 
heard  of  the  sword  presentation  to  him,  was  through  the  papers.” 


82 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


Another  writer  says : 

“ As  plain  Lieutenant-Colonel  Taylor,  the  writer  of  this  has  often 
seen  ‘Old  Zach’  putting  his  men  through  the  battalion  drill  on  the 
northern  banks  of  the  Wisconsin  in  the  depths  of  February.  This 
would  seem  only  characteristic  of  the  man  who  has  since  proved 
himself  equally  ‘ Rough  and  Ready’  under  the  scorching  sun  of  the 
tropics.  But,  looking  back  through  long  years  to  many  a pleasant 
hour  spent  in  the  well-selected  library  of  the  post  which  Colonel 
Taylor  then  commanded,  we  recur  now  with  singular  interest  to  the 
agreeable  conversations  held  in  the  room  which  was  the  Colonel’s 
favourite  resort  amid  the  intervals  of  duty.  Nor  will  the  reader 
think  these  personal  reminiscences  impertinent,  when  we  add  that 
our  object  in  recurring  to  them  here  is  simply  to  mention  that,  re- 
membermg  alike  the  wintry  drill  and  the  snug  book-room,  Taylor’s 
hardihood — the  idea  of  which  now  so  readily  attaches  to  his  soubri- 
quet of  Rough  and  Ready — would  certainly  not  then  have  struck  a 
stranger  as  more  characteristic  than  his  liberal-minded  intelligence. 
Remarkable  sincerity  of  manner,  a dash  of  humour  amid  diffident  re- 
serve, blended  with  a cordiality  that  for  want  of  a better  phrase  we 
should  call  mesmeric,  characterized  the  mien  of  the  distinguished 
man,  upon  whom  the  eyes  of  all  his  countrymen  are  now  fixed  with 
such  curious  interest.  He  was  one  of  those  few  men  who  instantly 
impress  a stranger  with  the  idea  of  frankness  and  reality  of  charac- 
ter, while  still  suggesting  to  the  imagination  that  there  was  much 
to  study  in  him.  Above  all  was  it  apparent  that  his  singular 
modesty  was  genuine  — was  of  the  soul ; that  he  was  a man  whose 
strong  individuality  his  nearest  intimates  must  hesitate  to  write 
about  and  publish  to  the  world  in  terms  of  praise.  And  we  know 
the  fact  that  in  one  instance  a friend  whom  the  General  had  obliged, 
when  replying  to  some  newspaper  disparagement  of  Taylor’s  mili- 
tary standing  and  services  at  the  commencement  of  the  Florida  war, 
was  deterred  by  his  knowledge  of  this  trait  from  communicating  his 
article  to  the  subject  of  it,  lest  the  terms  of  eulogy  he  had  employed 
might  be  offensive  to  Taylor.  This  dislike  of  puffery,  nay  this 
almost  wayward  turning  one’s  back  upon  fame,  is,  however,  per- 
fectly consistent  with  the  most  jealoijs  sense  of  what  is  due  to  one’s 
personal  character;  and  that  quality  Genofal  Taylor’s  published 
correspondence  with  the  Department  of  War  proves  he  possesses  in 
the  most  lively  degree.  He  there  shows  that  he  leaves  the  laurels 


Taylor’s  personal  appearance. 


83 


of  the  hero  to  take  care  of  themselves,  but  the  rights  and  the  char- 
acter of  Zachary  Taylor  must  not  be  tampered  with.  And  this  is 
the  quality  which  will  ever  prevent  him  from  becoming  the  tool  of 
party.  He  is  a man  that  cannot  be  used  by  others  save  in  the  line 
of  his  duty.  A man  who  cannot  be  approached  to  be  thus  used  ; 
for  there  is  sometimes  a shrewd  fire  in  the  glance  of  his  friendly 
eye,  an  epigrammatic  heartiness  of  response  bolting  forth  amid  his- 
taciturnity,  that  would  utterly  bewilder  and  confound  the  ordinary 
man  of  the  world,  who  approached  him  with  double-dealing  phrase, 
or  selfish  insincerity  of  purpose. 

“ With  regard  to  his  personal  appearance,  of  all  the  portraits  of 
General  Taylor  that  we  have  seen,  and  there  is  one  in  each  of  the 
volumes  before  us,  that  published  in  Graham’s  Magazine  strikes  us 
as  decidedly  the  best.  In  some  respects  it  is  flattered,  and  in  others 
it  hardly  comes  up  to  the  strongly  marked  character  expressed  in 
the  face  of  the  original ; as  a whole,  however,  it  is  far  more  faithful 
than  the  others.  Its  flattery,  we  imagine,  lies  in  making  Taylor  look 
younger  than  he  now  appears.  For  his  looks  in  the  picture  are 
those  which  we  recall  when  seeing  him  just  after  the  close  of  his 
campaign,  now  many  years  gone  by.  The  stamped  medals  pub- 
lished lately  by  J.  P.  Ridner  we  should  think  would  better  repre- 
sent his  present  appearance. 

“While  indulging  in  these  gossiping  references,  which  we  know 
will  interest  some  of  our  readers,  we  may  here  relate  an  anecdote 
of  General  Taylor,  which  we  once  heard,  amid  the  early  scenes  of 
the  Black  Hawk  war  on  Rock  river,'  and  which,  though  never 
verified  to  our  knowledge,  still  seems  most  characteristic  of  the 
Rough  and  Ready  of  later  years.  Some  time  after  Stillman’s  defeat 
by  Black  Hawk’s  band,  Taylor,  marching  with  a large  body  of 
volunteers  and  a handful  of  regulars  in  pursuit  of  the  hostile  Indian 
force,  found  himself  approaching  Rock  river,  then  asserted  by  many 
to  be  the  true  north-western  boundary  of  the  state  of  Illinois.  The 
volunteers,  as  Taylor  was  informed,  would  refuse  to  cross  the 
stream.  They  were  militia,  they  said,  called  out  for  the  defence 
of  the  state,  and  it  was  unconstitutional  to  order  them  to  march  be- 
yond its  frontier  into  the  Indian  country.  Taylor  thereupon  halted 
his  command,  and  encamped  within  the  acknowledged  boundaries 
of  Illinois.  He  would  not,  as  the  relator  of  the  story  said,  budge 
an  inch  further  without  orders.  He  had  already  driven  Black 


Taylor’s  personal  appearance. 


83 


of  the  hero  to  take  care  of  themselves,  but  the  rights  and  the  char- 
acter of  Zachary  Taylor  must  not  be  tampered  with.  And  this  is 
the  quality  which  will  ever  prevent  him  from  becoming  the  tool  of 
party.  He  is  a man  that  cannot  be  used  by  others  save  in  the  line 
of  his  duty.  A man  who  cannot  be  approached  to  be  thus  used  ; 
for  there  is  sometimes  a shrewd  fire  in  the  glance  of  his  friendly 
eye,  an  epigrammatic  heartiness  of  response  bolting  forth  amid  his 
taciturnity,  that  would  utterly  bewilder  and  confound  the  ordinary 
man  of  the  world,  who  approached  him  with  double-dealing  phrase, 
or  selfish  insincerity  of  purpose. 

“ With  regard  to  his  personal  appearance,  of  all  the  portraits  of 
General  Taylor  that  we  have  seen,  and  there  is  one  in  each  of  the 
volumes  before  us,  that  published  in  Graham’s  Magazine  strikes  us 
as  decidedly  the  best.  In  some  respects  it  is  flattered,  and  in  others 
it  hardly  comes  up  ^o  the  strongly  marked  character  e:j^pressed  in 
the  face  of  the  original;  as  a whole,  however,  it  is  far  more  faithful 
than  the  others.  Its  flattery,  we  imagine,  lies  in  making  Taylor  look 
younger  than  he  now  appears.  For  his  looks  in  the  picture  are 
those  which  we  recall  when  seeing  him  just  after  the  close  of  his 
campaign,  now  many  years  gone  by.  The  stamped  medals  pub- 
lished lately  by  J.  P.  Ridner  we  should  think  would?  better  repre- 
sent his  present  appearance. 

“While  indulging  in  these  gossiping  references,  which  we  know 
will  interest  some  of  our  readers,  we  may  here  relate  an  anecdote 
of  General  Taylor,  which  we  once  heard,  amid  the  early  scenes  of 
the  Black  Hawk  war  on  Rock  river,  and  which,  though  never 
verified  to  our  knowledge,  still  seems  most  characteristic  of  the 
Rough  and  Ready  of  later  years.  Some  time  after  Stillman’s  defeat 
by  Black  Hawk’s  band,  Taylor,  marching  with  a large  body  of 
volunteers  and  a handful  of  regulars  in  pursuit  of  the  hostile  Indian 
force,  found  himself  approaching  Rock  river,  then  asserted  by  many 
to  be  the  true  north-western  boj^dary  of  the  state  of  Illinois.  The 
volunteers,  as  Taylor  was  informed,  would  refuse  to  cross  the 
stream.  They  were  militia,  they  said,  called  out  for  the  defence 
of  the  state,  and  it  was  uncdfistitutional  to  order  them  to  march  be- 
yond its  frontier  into  the  Indian  country.  Taylor  thereupon  halted 
his  command,  and  enj^kped  within  the  acknowledged  boundaries 
of.  Illinois.  He  woulKiot,  as  the  relator  of  the  story  said,  budge 
an  inch  further  without  orders.  He  had  already  driven  Black 


84 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


Hawk  out  of  the  state,  but  the  question  of  crossing  Rock  river 
seemed  hugely  to  trouble  his  ideas  of  integrity  to  the  constitution 
on  one  side,  and  military  expediency  on  the  other.'  During  the 
night,  however,  orders  came,  either  from  General  Scott  or  General 
Atkinson,  for  him  to  follow  up  Black  Hawk  to  the  last.  The  quiet- 
ness of  the  Regular  colonel  meanwhile  had  rather  encouraged  the 
mutinous  militia  to  bring  their  proceedings  to  a head.  A sort  of 
town-meeting  was  called  upon  the  prairie,  and  Taylor  invited  to 
attend.  After  listening  for  some  time  very  quietly  to  the  proceed- 
ings, it  became  Rough  and  Ready’s  turn  to  address  the  chair. 
‘ He  had  heard,’  he  said,  ‘ with  much  pleasure  the  views  which 
several  speakers  had  of  the  independence  and  dignity  of  each  pri- 
vate American  citizen.  He  felt  that  all  gentlemen  there  present 
were  his  equals  — in  reality  he  was  persuaded  that  many  of  them 
would  in  a few  years  be  his  superiors,  and  perhaps,  in  the  capacity 
of  members  of  Congress,  arbiters  of  the  fortune  and  reputation  of 
humble  servants  of  the  Republic  like  himself.  He  expected  then 
to  obey  them  as  interpreters  of  the  will  of  the  people ; and  the  best 
proofs  he^ould  give  that  he  would  obey  them,  was  now  to  observe 
the  orders  of  those  whom  the  people  had  already  put  in  the  places 
of  authority,*to  which  many  gentlemen  around  him  justly  aspired. 
In  plain  English,  gentlemen  and  fellow-citizens,  the  word  has  been 
passed  on  to  me  from  Washington  to  follow  Black  Hawk  and  take 
you  with  me  as  soldiers.  I mean  to  do  both.  There  are  the  flat- 
boats  drawn  up  on  the  shore,  and  here  are  Uncle  Sam’s  men 
drawn  up  behind  you  on  the  prairie.’ 

“ ‘ Stra-anger,’  added  the  man  who  told  the  story,  ‘ the  way  them 
militia-men  sloped  into  those  flat-boats  was  a caution.  Not  another 
word  was  said.  Had  Zach  Taylor  been  with  Van  Rennselaer  at 
Niagara  river,  in  the  last  war,  I rayther  think  he ’d  a taught  him 
how  to  get  militia-men  over  a ferry.’  ” 

After  the  battle  of  Buena  Vistaj^^General  Taylor  addressed  the 
following  letter  to  the  Hon.  Henry  Clay,  concerning  the  death 
of  his  son.  It  shows  that  although  the  general  has  lived  from  a 
youth  amid  the  horrors  of  camp  life,*he  yet  has  a heart  big  with 
the  noblest  sentiments  of  humanity. 

“ My  dear  Sir  : You  will  no  doubt  hav|H|ceived,  before  this  can 
reach  you,  the  deeply  distressing  intelligei^r  of  the  death  of  your 
son  in  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista.  It  is  with  no  wish  of  intruding 


‘JiouH  ^ M 


^ ^ _ __ 


Pi;-^ 


m»i 


q|il9.ba«toi} 

^ mb  0mni 


taV  Jl^  1^'  '^ftfeii'i 

'^%  i)^  a-^4(»  s'if 


84  MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 

Hawk  out.  of  the  state,  ,but  the  question  of  crossing  Rock  river 
seemed  hugely  to  trouble  his  ddeas  of  integrity  to  the  constitution 
on  one  side,  and  military  expediency  on  the  other.  During  the 
night,  however,  orders  came,  either  from  General  Scott  or  General" 
Atkinson,  for  him  to  follow  up  Black  Hawk  to  the  last.  The  quiet- 
ness of  the  Regular  colonel  meanwhile  had  rather  encouraged  the 
mutinous  militia  to  bring  their  proceedings  to  a head.  A sort  of 
town-meeting  was  called  upon  the  prairie,  and  Taylor  invited  to 
attend.  After  listening  for  some  time  very  quietly  to  the  proceed- 
ings, it  became  Rough  and  Ready’s  turn  to  address  the  chair. 

* He  had  heard,’  he  said,  ‘ with  much  pleasure  the  views  which 
several  speakers  had  of  the  independence  and  digpity  of  each  pri- 
vate American  citizen.  He  felt  that  all  gentlemen  there  present 
were  his  equals  — in  reality  he  was  persuaded  that  many  of  them 
would  in  a few;  years  be  his  superiors,  and  perhaps,  in  the  capacity 
of  members  of  Congress,  arbiters  of  the  fortune  and  reputation  of 
humble  servants  of  the  Republic  like  himself.  He  expected  then 
to  obey  them  as  interpreters  of  the  will  of  the  people;  and  the  best 
proofs  he  could  give  that  he  would  obey  them,  was  now  to  observe 
the  orders  of  those  whom  the  people  had  already  put  in  the  places 
of  authority,  to  which  many  gentlemen  around  him  justly  aspired. 
In  plain  English,  gentlemen  and  fellow-citizens,  the  word  has  been 
passed  on  to  me  from  Washington  to  follow  Black  Hawk  and  take 
you  with  me  as  soldiers.  I mean  to  do  both.  There  are  the  flat- 
boats  drawn  up  on  the  shore,-  and  here  are  Uncle  Sam’s  men 
drawn  up  behind  you  on  the  prairie.’ 

“ ‘ Stra-anger,’  added  the  man  who  told  the  story,  ‘the  way  them 
militia-men  aloped  into  those  flat-boats  was  a caution.  Not  another 
, word  was  said.  Had  Zach  Taylor  been  with  Van  Rennselaer  at 
Niagara  river,  in  the  last  war,  I rayther  think  he ’d  a taught  him 
% hbW  to  get  militia-men  over  a ferry,’  ” 

After  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  Gerieral  Taylor  addressed  the 
following  letter  to  the  Hon.  Henry  Clay,  concerning  the  death 
^^^of  his  son.  It  shows  that  although  the  general  has  lived  from  a 
youth  amid  the  horrors  of  camp  life,  he  yet  has  a heart  big  with 
the  noblest  sentiments  of  humanity. 

“ My  dear  Sir  : You  will  no  doubt  have  received,  before  this  can 
reach  you,  the  deeply  distressing  intelligence  of  the  death  of  your 
son  in  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista.  It  is  with  no  wish  of  intruding 


Taylor’s  letter  to  clay. 


85 


upon  the  sanctuary  of  parental  sorrow,  and  with  no  hope  of  admin 
istering  any  consolation  to  ybur  wounded  heart,  that  I have  taken 
the  liberty  of  addressing  you  these  few  lines ; but  I have  felt  it  a 
duty  which  I owe' to  the  memory  of  the  distinguished  dead,  to  pay 
a willing  tribute  to  his  many  excellent  qualities,  and  while  my  feel- 
ings are  still  fresh,  to  express  the  desolation  which  his  untimely  loss 
and  that  of  other  kindred  spirits  has  occasioned. 

“I  had  but  a casual  acquaintance  with  your  son,  until  he  became 
for  a time  a member  of  my  military  family,  and  I can  truly  say  that 
no  one  ever  won  more  rapidly  upon  my  regard,  or  established  a 
more  lasting  claim  to  my  respect  and  esteem.  Manly  and  honour- 
able in  every  impulse,  with  no  feeling  but  for  the  honour  of  the 
service  and  of  the  country,  he  gave  every  assurance  that  in  the 
hour  of  need  I could  lean  with  confidence  upon  his  support.  Nor 
was  I disappointed.  Under  the  guidance  of  himself  and  the  lament- 
ed McKee,  gallantly  did  the  sons  of  Kentucky,  in  the  thickest  of 
the  strife,  uphold  the  honour  of  the  state  and  the  country. 

“A  grateful  people  will  do  justice  to  the  memory  of  those  who 
fell  on  that  eventful  day.  But  I may  be  permitted  to  express  the 
bereavement  which  I feel  in  the  loss  of  valued  friends.  To  your 
son  I felt  bound  by  the  strongest  ties  of  private  regard  ; and  when  I 
miss  his  familiar  face,  and  those  of  McKee  and  Hardin,  I can  say 
with  truth,  that  I feel  no  exultation  in  our  success.” 

We  close  our  sketches  of  General  Taylor  by  the  following  just 
tribute  to  his  abilities  and  integrity  of  character. 

At  a barbacue  given  to  the  Kentucky  volunteers  at  Jeffersontown, 
Colonel  Humphrey  Marshall  delivered  a speech,  in  the  course  of 
which  he  spoke  in  the  following  terms  of  the  character  of  Old 
Rough  and  Ready.  It  may  be  remarked  that  those  qualities  which 
are  so  conspicuous  in  the  character  of  General  Taylor,  such  as 
his  simplicity,  sincerity,  manliness  and  honesty,  are  the  very  at- 
tributes that  endear  him  to  the  masses.  Nothing  recommends  a 
man  more  speedily  to  the  affections  of  the  people  than  the  pre- 
sence of  those  homely  and  old-fashioned  virtues  which  prove  the 
sterling  metal  of  his  nature : 

« My  service  in  Mexico  frequently  brought  me  near  to  General 
Taylor,  and  I was  industrious  in  my  examination  of  the  actual  char- 
acter of  the  man  whenever  opportunity  was  presented.  I have  no 
motive  to  deceive  you,  and  you  must  take  the  impressions  I received 
8 


/ 


:v 


Taylor’s  letter  to  clay. 


85 


upon  the  sanctuary  of  parental  sorrow,  and  with  no  hope  of  admin 
istering  any  consolation  to  your  wounded  heart,  that  I have  taken 
the  liberty  of  addressing  you  these  few  lines ; but  I have  felt  it  a 
duty  which  I owe  to  the  memory  of  the  distinguished  dead,  to  pay 
a willing  tribute  to  his  many  excellent  qualities,  and  while  my  feel- 
ings are  still  fresh,  to  express  the  desolation  which  his  untimely  loss 
and  that  of  other  kindred  spirits  has  occasioned. 

“I  had  but  a casual  acquaintance  with  your  son,  until  he  became 
for  a time  a member  of  my  military  family,  and  I can  truly  say  that 
no  one  ever  won  more  rapidly  upon  my  regard,  or  established  a 
more  lasting  claim  to  my  respect  and  esteem.  Manly  and  honour- 
able in  every  impulse,  with  no  feeling  but  for  the  honour  of  the 
service  and  of  the  country,  he  gave  every  assurance  that  in  the 
hour  of  need  I could  lean  with  confidence  upon  his  support.  Nor 
was  I disappointed.  Under  the  guidance  of  himself  and  the  lament- 
ed McKee,  gallantly  did  the  sons  of  Kentucky,  in  the  thickest  of 
the  strife,  uphold  the  honour  of  the  state  and  the  country. 

“A  grateful  people  will  do  justice  to  the  memory  of  those  who 
fell  on  that  eventful  day.  But  I may  be  permitted  to  express  the 
bereavement  which  I feel  in  the  loss  of  valued  friends.  To  your 
son  I felt  bound  by  the  strongest  ties  of  private  regard  ; and  when  I 
miss  his  familiar  face,  and  those  of  McKee  and  Hardin,  I can  say 
with  truth,  that  I feel  no  exultation  in  our  success.” 

We  close  our  sketches  of  General  Taylor  by  the  following  just 
tribute  to  his  abilities  and  integrity  of  character. 

At  a barbacue  given  to  the  Kentucky  volunteers  at  Jefferson  town. 
Colonel  Humphrey  Marshall  delivered  a speech,  in  the  course  of 
which  he  spoke  in  the  following  terms  of  the  character  of  Old 
Rough  and  Ready.  It  may  be  remarked  that  those  qualities  which 
are  so  conspicuous  in  the  character  of  General*  Taylor,  such  as 
his  simplicity,  sincerity,  manliness  and  honesty,  are  the  very  at- 
tributes that  endear  him  to  the  masses.  Nothing  recommends  a 
man  more  speedily  to  the  affections  of  the  people  than  the  pre- 
sence of  those  homely  and  old-fashioned  virtues  which  prove  the 
sterling  metal  of  his  nature  : 

“ My  service  in  Mexico  frequently  brought  me  near  to  General 
Taylor,  and  I was  industrious  in  my  examination  of  the  actual  char- 
acter of  the  man  whenever  opportunity  was  presented.  I have  no 
motive  to  deceive  you,  and  you  must  take  the  impressions  I received 
8 


86 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


for  what  they  are  worth.  If  I desired  to  express  in  the  fewest  words 
what  manner  of  man  General  Taylor  is,  I should  say  that,  in  his* 
manners  and  his  appearance,  he  is  one  of  the  common  people  of  this 
country.  He  might  be  transferred  from  his  tent  at  Monterey  to  this 
assembly,  and  he  would  not  be  remarked  among  this  crowd  of 
respectable  old  farmers  as  a man  at  all  distinguished  from  those 
around  him.  Perfectly  temperate  in  his  habits,  perfectly  plain  in 
his  dress,  entirely  unassuming  in  his  manners,  he  appears  to  be  an 
old  gentleman  in  fine  health,  whose  thoughts  are  not  turned  upon 
his  personal  appearance,  and  who  has  no  point  about  him  to  attract 
particular  attention.  In  his  intercourse  with  men,  he  is  free,  frank 
and  manly ; he  plays  ofT  none  of  the  airs  of  some  great  men  whom 
I have  met.  Any  one  may  approach  him  as  nearly  as  can  be  de- 
sired, and  the  more  closely  his  character  is  examined  the  greater 
beauties  it  discloses. 

“1.  He  is  an  honest  man.  I do  not  mean  by  that  merely  that  he 
does  not  cheat  or  lie.  I mean  that  he  is  a man  that  never  dissem- 
bles,'and  who  scorns  all  disguises.  He  neither  acts  a part  among 
his  friends  for  effect,  nor  assumes  to  be  what  he  is  not.  Whenever 
he  speaks  you  hear  what  he  honestly  believes ; and,  whether  right 
or  wrong,  you  feel  assurance  that  he  has  expressed  his  real  opinion. 
His  dealings  with  men  have  been  of  a most  varied  character,  and  I 
have  never  heard  his  honest  name  stained  by  the  breath  of  the 
slightest  reproach. 

“ 2.  He  is  a man  of  rare  good  judgment.  By  no  means  possessed 
of  that  brilliancy  of  genius  which  attracts  by  its  flashes,  yet,  like 
the  meteor,  expires  even  while  you  gaze  upon  it ; by  no  means 
possessing  that  combination  of  talent  which  penetrates  instantly  the 
abstrusest  subject,  and  measures  its  length  and  breadth  as  if  by  in- 
tuition, General  Taylor  yet  has  that  order  of  intellect  which  more 
slowly  but  quite  as  surely  masters  all  that  it  engages,  and  examines 
all  the  combinations  of  which  the  subject  is  susceptible.  When  he 
announces  his  conclusions  you  feel  confident  that  he  well  under- 
stands the  ground  upon  which  he  plants  himself,  and  you  rest 
assured  that  the  conclusion  is  the  deduction  of  skill  and  sound  sense 
faithfully  applied  to  the  matter  in  hand.  It  is  this  order  of  mind 
which  has  enabled  him,  unlike  many  other  officers  of  the  army,  to 
attend  to  the  wants  of  his  family,  by  so  using  the  means  at  his  dis- 
posal as  to  surround  himself  in  his  old  age  with  a handsome  private 


CHARACTER  OF  TAYLOR. 


87 


fortune,  and  to  be  blessed  with  an  almost  perfect  constitution.  I 
would  to-day  prefer  his  advice  in  any  matter  of  private  interest — 
would  take  his  opinion  as  to  the  value  of  an  estate — would  rather- 
follow  his  suggestions  in  a scheme  where  property  or  capital  was  to 
be  embarked,  would  pursue  more  confidently  his  counsel  where  the 
management  of  an  army  was  involved,  or  the  true  honour  of  my 
country  was  at  stake,  than  that  of  any  other  man  I have  ever  known. 
I regard  his  judgment  as  being  first-rate  at  every  thing,  from  a horse- 
trade  up  to  a trade  in  human  life  upon  the  field  of  battle. 

“8.  He  is  a firm  man  and  possessed  of  great  energy  of  character. 
It  were  a waste  of  time  to  dwell  upon  these  traits  of  his  character, 
for  his  military  career  has  afforded  such  abundant  examples  of  his 
exercise  of  these  qualities  as  to  render  them  familiar  to  every  citizen 
who  has  ever  read  or  heard  of  the  man.  In  his  army  they  are  daily 
exhibited,  and  stand  conspicuously  displayed  in  every  order  which 
emanates  from  his  pen. 

“ 4.  He  is  a benevolent  man.  This  quality  has  been  uniformly 
displayed  in  his  treatment  of  the  prisoners  who  have  been  placed  in 
his  power  by  the  vicissitudes  of  war.  No  man  who  had  seen  him 
after  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista  as  he  ordered  the  wagons  to  bring  in 
the  Mexican  wounded  from  the  battle-field,  and  heard  him  as  he  at 
once  cautioned  his  own  men  that  the  wounded  were  to  be  treated 
with  mercy,  could  doubt  that  he  was  alive  to  all  the  kinder  impulses 
of  our  nature.  The  indiscretions  of  youth  he  chides  with  paternal 
kindness,  yet  with  the  decision  which  forbids  their  repetition ; and 
the  young  men  of  his  army  feel  that  it  is  a pleasure  to  gather  around 
him,  because  there  they  are  as  welcome  as  though  they  visited  the 
hearth-stone  of  their  own  home  ; and  they  are  always  as  freely  in- 
vited to  partake  of  what  he  has  to  offer  as  if  they  \vere  under  the 
roof  of  a father.  His  conduct  in  sparing  the  deserters  who  were 
captured  at  Buena  Vista  exhibited  at  the  same  time  in  a manner  his 
benevolence  and  his  judgment.  ‘ Don’t  shoot  them*,’  said  he : ‘the 
worst  punishment  I will  inflict  is  to  return  them  to  the  Mexican 
army.’  When  Napoleon  said  to  one  of  his  battalions,  ‘Inscribe  it 
on  their  flag:  No  longer  of  the  army  of  Italy,’  he  used  an  expres- 
sion which  w^as  deemed  so  remarkable  that  history  preserved  it  for 
the  admiration  of  future  ages ; yet  it  was  not  more  forcible  as  an 
illustration  of  his  power  in  touching  the  springs  of  human  action 


88 


MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR. 


than  is  that  of  General  Taylor  illustrative  of  the  manner  in  which 
he  would  make  an  example  for  the  benefit  of  the  army. 

“ 5.  He  is  a man  of  business  habits.  I never  have  known  General 
Taylor  to  give  up  a day  to  pleasure.  I have  never  visited  his  quar- 
ters without  seeing  evidences  of  the  industry  with  which  he  toiled. 

If  his  talented  adjutant  was  surrounded  with  papers,  so  was. the  ^ 
general.  And  though  he  would  salute  a visitor  kindly,  and*  bid  ^ 
him  with  familiar  grace  to  amuse  himself  until  he  was  at  leisure,  he 
never  would  interrupt  the  duties  which  his  station  called  him  to 
perform.  When  these  were  closed  for  the  day,  he  seemed  to  enjoy 
to  a remarkable  degree,  the  vivacity  of  young  officers,  and  to  be 
glad  to  mingle  in  their  society.  As  a conversationist,  I do  not  think 
General  Taylor  possesses  great  power.  He  uses  few  words,  and 
expresses  himself  with  energy  and  force,  but  not  fluently.  His 
language  is  select.  I would  say,  however,  from  the  knowledge  of 
the  man,  that  he  is  entirely  capable  of  producing  any  thing  in  the 
shape  of  an  order  or  letter  which  has  ever  appeared  over  his  signa- 
ture ; and,  in  saying  so  much,  I understand  myself  as  asserting  that 
he  is  master  of  his  mother  tongue,  and  can  write  about  as  eflectively 
and  handsomely  as  he  can  fight.  Such,  then,  is  the  picture  of  the 
man — not  of  the  general — who  won  my  esteem.  I am  not  in  the 
habit  of  eulogizing  men,  and  have  indulged  on  this  occasion  because 
I desired  to  describe  to  you,  with  the  exactness  of  truth,  those  quali- 
ties which,  combined  in  General  Taylor,  made  him  appear  to  me  as 
a first-rate  model  of  a true  American  character.  Others  will  dwell 
upon  the  chivalry  he  has  so  often  displayed,  and  his  greatness  so 
conspicuously  illustrated  upon  the  field  of  battle.  I formed  my  ideas 
of  the  man  when  he  was  free  from  duty,  and  had  no  motive  to  appear 
in  any  other  light  than  such  as  was  thrown  upon  him  by  nature, 
education  and  principle.” 

Note. — In  tlie  Philadelphia  North  American  and  Gazette  of  November 
30th,  1847,  is  the  following  interesting  description  of  the  swords  about  to 
be  presented  to  General  Taylor  and  other  officers ; — 

“ Our  fellow-townsmen,  Bailey  and  Kitchen,  whose  establishment  is 
worthy  to  have  been  the  laboratory  of  Benvenuto  Cellini  himself,  have  just 
completed  three  magnificent  swords,  intended  as  tributes  to  the  gallantry 
of  three  brave  officers  — Major-General  Zachary  Taylor,  Major-General 
William  O.  Butler,  and  Major  P.  N.  Barber.  We  have  never  seen  more 
elegant  specimens  of  taste  and  skill  j and  the  production  of  such  articles 


88  MAJOR-GENERAL  ZACHARY  TAYLOR, 

than  is  that  of  General  Taylor  illustrative  of  the  manner  in  which 
he  would  make  an  example  for  the  benefit  of  the  army. 

“ 5.  He  is  a man  of  business  habits,  I never  have  known  General 
Taylor  to  give  up  a day  to  pleasure.  I have  never  visited  his  quar- 
ters without  seeing  evidences  of  the  industry  with  which  he  toiled. 
If  his  talented  adjutant  was  surrounded  with  papers,  so  was  the 
general.  And  though  he  would  salute  a visitor  kindly,  and"  bid 
him  with  familiar  grace  to  amuse  himself  until  he  was  at  leisure,  he 
never  would  interrupt  the  duties  which  his  station  called  him  to 
perform.  When  these  were  closed  for  the  day,  he  seemed  to  enjoy 
to  a remarkable^  degree,  the  vivacity  of  young  officers,  and  to  be 
glad  to  mingle  in  their  society.  As  a conversationist,  I do,  not  think 
General  Taylor  possesses  great  power.  He  uses  few  words,  and 
expresses  himself  with  energy  and  force,  but  not  fluently.  His 
language  is  select.  I would  say,  however,  from  the  knowledge  of 
the  man,  that  he  is  entirely  capable  of  producing  any  thing  in  the 
shape  of  an  order  or  letter  which  has  ever  appeared  over  his  signa- 
ture,; and,  in  saying  so  much,  I understand  myself  as  asserting  that 
he  is  master  of  his  mother  tongue,  and  can  write  about  as  effectively 
and  handsomely  as  he  can  fight.  Such,  then,  is  the  picture  of  the 
man — not  of  the  general — who  won  my  esteem.  I am  not  in  the 
habit  of  eulogizing  men,  and  have  indulged  on  this  occasion  because 
I desired  to  describe  to  you,  with  the  exactness  of  truth,  those  quali- 
ties which,  combined  in' General  Taylor,  made  him  appear  to  me  as 
a first-rate  model  of  a true  Smerican  character.  Others  will  dwell 
upon  the  chivalry  he  has  so  often  displayed,  and  his  greatness  so 
conspicuously  illustrated  upon  the  field  of  battle.  I formed  my  ideas 
of  the  man  when  he  was  free  from  duty,  and  had  no  motive  to  appear 
in  any  other  light  than  such  as  was  thrown  upon  him  by  nature, 
education  and  principle.” 

Note. — In  the  Philadelphia  North  American  and  Gazette  of  November 
30th,  1847,  is  the  following  interesting  description  of  the  swords  about  to 
be  presented  to  General  Taylor  and  other  officers 

“ Our  fellow-townsmen,  Bailey  and  Kitchen,  whose  establishment  is 
worthy  to  have  been  the  laboratory  of  Benvenuto  Cellini  himself,  have  just 
completed  three  magnificent  swords,  intended  as  tributes  to  the  gallantry 
of  three  brave  officers  — Major-General  Zachary  Taylor,  Major-General 
William  0.  Butler,  and  Major  P.  N.  Barber.  We  have  never  seen  more 
elegant  specimens  of  taste  and  skill ; and  the  production  of  such  articles 


SWORDS  FOR  TAYLOR,  ETC. 


89 


fairly  entitle  Messrs  B.  and  K.  to  special  notice  and  praise.  The  first  of 
these  splendid  weapons,  intended  for  General  Taylor,  has  a gold  scabbard, 
heavily  mounted  in  fine  chased  gold,  and  ornamented  with  three  large 
an4  beautiful  Siberian  carbuncles.  The  hilt  is  of  mother-of-pearl  and  fine 
engraved  gold  alternating,  and  surmounted  with  a large  and  unusually 
rich  Brazilian  topaz.  The  blade  is  an  exquisite  piece  of  work,  covered 
with  neat  and  appropriate  devices,  among  them  being  the  arms  of  Ken- 
tucky, \vith  the  motto,  ‘United  we  stand,  divided  we  fall.’  On  the  scab- 
bard is  the  following  inscription : 

“ ‘ Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  Major-General  Zachary  Taylor,  . 
as  an,  evidence  of  the  opinion  of  his  generalship,  gallantry  and  firmness,  in 
the  battles  of  Palo  Alto,  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  and  Monterey.’  (We  would 
bore  state  that  this  sword  was  ordered  before  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista 
was  fought,  which  accounts  for  this  brilliant  achievement  not  forming  a 
part  of  the  record  here.) 

“The  sword  for  General  Butler,  like  that  for  General  Taylor,  is  made 
according  to  the  proscribed  form  of  weapon  for  a Major-General;  has  a 
Silver  grip,  is  ornamented  in  the  head  with  a fine  Brazilian  topaz,  and 
embellished  in  a style  of  similar  elegance.  It  contains  the  following  in- 
scription : 

“‘Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  Major-General  William  0. 
Butler,  in  testimony  of  his  daring  gallantry  in  heading  his  brave  division 
in  the  desperate  charge  against  a battery  in  the  battle  of  Monterey.’ 

“ The  sword  intended  for  Major  Barber’s  widow  is  a steel  sabre,  gold 
mounted,  with  silver  grip,  handsomely  engraved  and  decorated,  and  having 
a pale  topaz  in  the  head.  The  inscription  was  as  follows : 

“ ‘ Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  the  widow  of  Major  Philip 
Norbourne  Barber,  in  testimony  of  his  services  as  a patriot  and  his  achieve- 
ments as  a soldier,  the  chivalry  of  his  life  and  the  glory  of  his  death.’ 

“ These  swords  were  ordered  by  a committee  of  gentlemen  appointed 
by  Governor  Owsley.  They  are  to  be  in  Frankfort  at  the  opening  of  th-e 
next  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Kentucky.” 


8^ 


I 


SWORDS  FOR  TAYLOR,  ETC. 


89 


fairly  entitle  Messrs  B.  and  K.  to  special  notice  and  praise.  The  first  of 
these  splendid  weapons,  intended  for  General  Taylor,  has  a gold  scabbard, 
heavily  mounted  in  fine  chased  gold,  and  ornamented  with  three  large 
and  beautiful  Siberian  carbuncles.  The  hilt  is  of  mother-of-pearl  and  fine 
engraved  gold  alternating,  and  surmounted  with  a large  and  unusually 
^m^h  Brazilian  topaz.  The  blade  is  an  exquisite  piece  of  work,  covered 
neat  and  appropriate  devices,  among  them  being  the  arms  of  Ken- 
with  the  motto,  ‘United  we  stand,  divided  we  fall.’  On  the  scab- 
^^tJard  is  the  following  inscription : 

“ ‘ Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  Major-General  Zachary  Taylor, 
as  an  evidence  of  the  opinion  of  his  generalship,  gallantry  and  firmness,  in 
the  battles  of  Palo  Alto,  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  and  Monterey.’  (We  would 
here  state  that  this  sword  was  ordered  before  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista 
was  fought,  which  accounts  for  this  brilliant  achievement  not  forming  a 
part  of  the  record  here.) 

“The  sword  for  General  Butler,  like  that  for  General  Taylor,  is  made 
according  to  the  prescribed  form  of  weapon  for  a Major-General ; has  a 
silver  grip,  is  ornamented  in  the  head  with  a fine  Brazilian  topaz,  and 
embellished  in  a style  of  similar  elegance.  It  contains  the  following  in- 
scription : 

“ ‘ Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  Major-General  William  0* 
Butler,  in  testimony  of  his  daring  gallantry  in  heading  his  brave  division 
in  the  desperate  charge  against  a battery  in  the  battle  of  Monterey.’ 

“ The  sword  intended  for  Major  Barber’s  widow  is  a steel  sabre,  gold 
mounted,  with  silver  grip,  handsomely  engraved  and  decorated,  and  having 
a pale  topaz  in  the  head.  The  inscription  was  as  follows : 

“ ‘ Presented  by  the  people  of  Kentucky  to  the  widow  of  Major  Philip 
Norbourne  Barber,  in  testimony  of  his  services  as  a patriot  and  his  achieve- 
ments as  a soldier,  the  chivalry  of  his  life  and  the  glory  of  his  death.’ 

“These  swords  were  ordered  by  a committee  of  gentlemen  appointed 
by  Governor  Owsley.  They  are  to  be  in  Frankfort  at  the  opening  of  th^ 
next  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Kentucky.” 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


General  Worth  was  born  in  the  city  of  Hudson,  Columbia 
county,  New  York.  The  first  of  the  name  in  this  country  came 
from  Devonshire,  England,  and  settled  in  Massachusetts  in  1642. 
The  general’s  father  followed  the  sea,  was  a man  of  character  and 
capacity  ; his  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Marshall  Jenkins,  Esq., 
one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  the  city  of  Hudson.  Worth  was 
educated  for,  and  bred  up  to  mercantile  pursuits ; but,  as  he  once 
said  to  an  acquintance,  “he  was  not  born  to  be  a merchant;” 
meaning  that  his  inclinations  pointed  another  way,  and  that  the  cast 
and  character  of  hi^  mind  disqualified  him  for  the  avocation. 

On  the  declaration  of  war  in  1812,  he  was  a resident  of  Albany ; 
and  though  but  eighteen  years  of  age,  determined  at  once  to  enter 
the  service : but  unable  to  get  a commission,  or  impatient  of  the 
delay,  which  those  who  apply  for  office  sometimes  experience,  he 
joined  the  army  as  a private  secretary  to  Major-General  Lewis,  who 
finding  him  more  inclined  to  the  field  than  the  desk,  and  having  no 
vacancy  in  his  own  family,  very  kindly  recommended  him  to  Scott, 
who  was  then  at  the  head  of  his  brigade  on  the  Canada  frontier. 
Scott  immediately  appointed  him  his  aid  and  placed  him  on  his  staff. 

In  the  active  and  spirited  campaign  which  ensued,  he  distin- 
guished himself  as  a brave  and  gallant  soldier.  He  was  with  Scott 
in  the  battles  of  Chippewa  and  Niagara,  where  he  distinguished 
himself  in  a manner  that  won  the  entire  approval  of  his  able  com- 
mander. “The  family  of  General  Scott,”  says  the  commander. 
Brown,  in  his  official  report  of  Niagara,  “ were  conspicuous  in  the 
field,  Lieutenant  Smith,  of  the  6th  infantry,  the  major  of  the 
brigade,  and  Lieutenants  Worth  and  Watts  his  aids.”  He  was 
rewarded  by  government  [August  19th,  1814]  with  a captaincy. 

At  the  celebrated  battle  of  Niagara  he  received  a severe  wound, 

(90) 


GENERAL  WORTH  IN  FLORIDA. 


91 


from  the  effects  of  which  he  still  suffers  occasionally.  Throughout 
the  whole  of  that  terrible  battle,  however,  he  distinguished  himself 
in  a manner  that  gave  unequivocal  presage  of  his  future  ability ; 
and  w'as  officially  rewarded  by  the  brevet  rank  of  major. 

After  the  war,  he  was  for  several  years  stationed  at  West  Point, 
instructor  of  tactics.  As  major  of  ordnance,  he  commanded  at 
’Water vliet,  was  afterwards  promoted  to  the  rank  of  colonel,  and 
assigned  to  the  eighth  regiment. 

As  colonel.  Worth  was  ordered  to  Florida,  during  the  trying 
period  of  the  Seminole  war.  After  a tedious  pursuit  of  the  Indians, 
he  forced  them  to  battle  [April  19th,  1842]  at  the  Okeehumphee 
swamp,  and  gained  a complete  victory.  Every  trail  made  in  their 
flight  was  taken  and  pursued  till  dark,  and  resumed  the  next  day, 
the  detachments  marching  twenty  or  thirty  miles  each  day.  The 
consequences  of  the  battle  were  most  beneficial.  On  the  4th  of 
May,  the  active  chief,  Hallash  Tustemuggee,  with  eighty  of  his 
band,  came  to  the  American  head-quarters  at  Palatka,  and  surren- 
dered. 

On  the  12th  of  August,  Colonel  Worth  announced  to  govern- 
ment that  the  Florida  war  was  ended ; and  he  was,  consequently, 
ordered  from  Florida.  The  rank  of  brevet  brigadier-general  was 
conferred  upon  him,  and  he  received  many  other  testimonials  of 
public  favour.  When  the  Indians  renewed  hostilities  he  was  re- 
manded to  Florida,  and  before  the  close  of  the  year  received  the 
surrender  of  a large  body  of  Creeks  at  Tampa. 

When  General  Taylor  was  appointed  to  organize  a corps  of  ob- 
servation at  Corpus  Christi,  General  Worth  received  instructions  to 
join  him,  which  he  did,  acting  as  second  in  command.  The  army 
was  left  in  his  care  when,  on  the  march  toward  the  Rio  Grande, 
Taylor  pushed  toward  Point  Isabel,  in  order  to  establish  there  a 
depot.  With  his  own  hand,  he  planted  the  national  colours  on  the 
bank  opposite  Matamoras. 

Unfortunately,  during  the  short  season  of  inactivity  that  ensued 
immediately  after  the  arrival  at  this  station,  a dispute  concerning 
etiquette  arose  between  Worth  and  Colonel  Twiggs,  in  consequence 
of  which  the  former  threw  up  his  commission,  and  set  out  for  Wash- 
ington. This  course  was  adopted  by  Worth  out  of  a pure  sense 
of  justice  and  professional  dignity,  and  not  from  malice  or  envy. 
He  assured  his  command  at  leaving,  that  could  he  at  any  time  be 


92 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


of  service  to  them,  or  if,  contrary  to  the  complexion  of  affairs  at 
that  time,  war  should  ensue,  he  would  waive  all  etiquette,  and 
hasten  to  resume  some  post  of  danger.  He  had  scarcely  reached 
Washington,  when  news  arrived  that  the  Mexicans  had  crossed  the 
river,  surrounded  both  American  stations,  and  placed  Taylor  in  im- 
minent danger.  He  immediately  addressed  the  following  note 
[dated  May  9th,  1847,  six  o’clock,  P.  M.]  to  Adjutant-General 
Jones : 

“ Reliable  information,  which  I have  this  moment  received  from 
the  head-quarters  of  the  army  in  front  of  Matarnoras,  makes  it  not 
only  my  duty,  but  accords  with  my  inclination,  to  request  permis- 
sion to  withdraw  my  resignation,  and  that  I be  ordered  or  permitted 
forthwith  to  return  to,  and  take  command  of  the  troops  from  which 
I was  separated  on  the  7th  of  April,  &c.” 

The  answer  was  as  follows  : — 

“ I have  submitted  to  the  Secretary  of  War  your  letter  of  this 
afternpon’s  date,  in  which,  for  reasons  stated,  you  request  that  your 
resignation,  recently  tendered,  may  be  recalled,  and  you  may  be 
ordered  or  permitted  forthwith  to  return  and  take  command  of  the 
troops,  from  which  you  were  separated.  The  motives  which  prompt 
this  course  on  your  part  are  fully  appreciated,  and  I am  directed  to 
say  that  your  request  is  complied  with.  You  will,  therefore,  repair 
without  delay  to  General  Taylor’s  head-quarters,  and  report  to  him 
accordingly.” 

Worth  reached  the  Rio  Grande  in  time  to  be  present  at  the  taking 
of  Matarnoras,  and  was  appointed  as  head  of  the  delegation  from  the 
American  army,  to  negotiate  the  capitulation. 

General  Worth  was  extremely  mortified  in  having  missed  the 
battles  of  May  8th  and  9th,  in  consequence  of  his  voluntary  absence. 
Appreciating  this  feeling.  General  Taylor  gave  a rare  proof  of  his 
disinterestedness  and  sympathy  with  a brother  officer,  by  entrusting 
him  with  an  independent  command  during  the  storming  of  Monterey. 
A description  of  the  defences  appertaining  to  this  city  is  given  in 
the  biography  of  Taylor ; and  against  a chain  of  these,  on  Federa- 
cion  and  Independencia  hills,  was  General  Worth  with  the  2d  divi- 
sion sent.  His  operations  are  thus  described  by  himself: — 

“I  have  the  honour  to  report  that,  in  obedience  to  the  verbal 
orders  of  the  general-in-chief,  the  division  under  my  command, 
composed  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Duncan’s  battery  of  horse  artillery, 


GENERAL  WORTH  AT  MONTEREY. 


93 


artillery  battalion,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Childs,  and  8th  regiment, 
Captain  Scriver,  constituting  the  first  brigade,  under  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Staniford ; Lieutenant  Mackall’s  battery,  horse  artillery, 
5th  infantry,  (Major  Scott;)  17th,  (Captain  Miles;)  and  one  com- 
pany Louisiana  volunteers,  (Captain  Blanchard  ;)  2d  brigade,  under 
Brigadier-General  Persifer  F.  Smith,  (colonel  of  rifles,)  and  Colonel 
Hays’s  regiment  of  Texan  mounted  riflemen,  moved  from  the  main 
camp  at  El  Bosque  de  St.  Domingo  at  two  o’clock  P M.  on  the 
20th. 

“ My  instructions  were  by  a detour  to  the  right,  to  endeavour  to 
find  and  reach  the  Saltillo  road,  effect  a thorough  reconnoissance  of 
the  approaches  to  the  city  from  that  direction,  to  cut  off*  supplies 
and  reinforcements,  and,  if  practicable,  carry  the  heights. 

“ Owing  to  the  difficulties  of  the  ground  after  leaving  the  Marin, 
and  before  striking  the  Presquina  Grande  road,  the  division  had 
reached  only  six  miles,  in  consequence  of  the  delay  in  making  the 
route  practicable  for  artillery,  which  service  was  performed  by  Cap- 
tain Sanders,  at  six  o’clock,  P.  M.,  and  was  halted  just  without  the 
range  of  a gun-battery  on  the  summit  of  an  isolated  hill  called  Loma 
de  Independencia,  midway  on  the  ascent  of  which  was  the  Bishop’s 
Palace.  Thence  a reconnoissance  was  made,  under  cover  of  de- 
tachments of  Hays’s  Texans,  to  the  intersection  of  the  Presquina 
Grande  route,  then  in  our  possession,  with  the  Saltillo  road.  This 
examination  resulted  in  the  conviction  that  the  grounds  in  our  front 
and  on  our  left,  in  advance,  constituted  at  the  sanae  time  the  weak 
and  the  strong  points  of  the  enemy’s  position,  and  entered  mainly 
into  the  defences  of  the  city — the  weak  point,  because  commanding 
the  only  lines  of  retreat  and  of  supply  in  the  direction  of  Saltillo, 
and  controlling  that  in  the  direction  of  Presquina  Grande  ; the  strong 
point,  because  of  the  peculiarly  defensive  character  of  the  hills  and 
gorges,  and  of  the  very  careful  and  skilful  manner  with  which  they 
had  been  fortified  and  guarded.  It  was  also  clearly  indicated  that 
our  further  advance  would  be  strenuously  resisted. 

“ On  the  morning  of  the  21st,  the  division  was  put  in  motion, 
and  with  such  formation  as  to  present  the  readiest  order  of  battle,  on 
any  point  of  assault.  At  six,  the  advance,  consisting  of  Hays’s 
T’exans,  supported  by  the  light  companies,  1st  brigade,  under  Cap- 
tain C.  F.  Smith  (both  extended  as  the  valley  widened  or  con- 
tracted), closely  followed  by  Duncan’s  light  artillery  and  battalion, 


94 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


heads  of  columns,  on  turning  an  angle  of  the  mountain  at  a hacienda 
called  San  Jeronimo^  came  upon  a strong  force  of  cavalry  and  in- 
fantry, mostly  the  former.  A conflict  immediately  ensued.  The 
Texans  received  the  heavy  charge  of  cavalry  with  their  unerring 
rifles  and  usual  gallantry ; the  light  companies  opened  a rapid  and 
well-directed  fire ; Duncan’s  battery  was  in  action  in  one  minute, 
(promptly  supported  by  a section  of  Mackall’s,)  delivering  its  fire 
over  the  heads  of  our  men.  Ere  the  close  of  the  combat,  which 
lasted  but  fifteen  minutes,  the  1st  brigade  had  formed  to  the  front, 
on  the  ri^ht  and  left,  and  delivered  its  fire.  The  2d  brio^ade  was 
held  in  reserve,  the  ground  not  admitting  of  its  deployment.  The 
enem}?-  retired  in  disorder  (leaving  on  the  ground  one  hundred  killed 
and  wounded  ; among  the  former,  Don  Juan  N.  Najua,  colonel  of 
the  permanent  regiment  of  lancers,)  upon  the  Saltillo  road,  and  was 
closely  pursued,  until  we  got  possession  ©f  the  gorge,  where  all  the 
debouches  from  Monterey  unite,  whereby  the  force  just  defeated, 
as  also  reinforcements  and  supplies  from  that  direction,  were  ex- 
cluded from  entering  the  city.  At  this  important  point  the  division 
was  halted,  and  attention  directed  to  the  mountain  forts  which  en- 
velope the  city  on  its  western  and  south-western  faces.  Soon  dis- 
covering, however,  that  our  position  brought  us  within  effective 
range  of  the  batteries,  the  troops  were  advanced  some  eight  hundred 
yards  further  on  the  Saltillo  road. 

“ The  examination,  thus  far,  had  manifested,  besides  the  impor- 
tance of  the  positions,  the  impracticability  of  any  effective  operations 
against  the  city,  until  possessed  of  the  exterior  forts  and  batteries. 
Independent,  however,  of  ulterior  objects,  the  occupation  of  these 
heights  became  indispensable  to  the  restoration  of  our  lines  of  com- 
munication with  head-quarters,  necessarily  abandoned  for  the  mo- 
ment in  order  to  secure  the  gorges  of  the  Saltillo  road.  At  twelve 
M.,  a force  was  detached  under  Captain  C.  F.  Smith,  with  orders 
to  storm  the  batteries  on  the  crest  of  the  nearest  hill,  called  Federa^ 
cion.,  and  after  taking  that,  to  carry  the  fort  called  Soldada,  on  the 
ridge  of  the  same  height,  retired  about  600  yards.  The  two  effec- 
tually guarded  the  slopes  and  roads  in  either  valley,  and  consequently 
the  approaches  to  the  city.  This  command  consisted  of  four  com- 
panies (K  2d,  B 3d,  and  G and  H 4th  artillery,)  of  the  artillery 
battalion,  and  Green’s,  McGowan’s,  R.  A.  Gillespie’s,  Chandler’s, 
Ballone’s,  and  McCulloch’s  companies  of  Texan  riflemen,  under 


worth’s  operations  at  MONTEREY. 


95 


Major  Chevalier,  acting  in  co-operation — in  all  about  three  hundred 
effectives.  It  was  impossible  to  mask  the  movement  of  the  storm- 
ing party.  On  approaching  the  base  of  the  mountain,  the  guns  of 
both  batteries  opened  a plunging  fire,  and  numerous  light  troops 
were  seen  descending  and  arranging  themselves  at  favourable  points 
on  the  slopes.  Perceiving  the  indications  of  determined  resistance, 
Captain  Miles  was  detached  from  the  7th,  to  support  and  co-operate 
with  the  first  party. 

“ In  a short  time  the  fire  became  general,  the  enemy  gradually 
yielding  and  retiring  up  the  rugged  acclivity,  and  our  men  as 
steadily  pursuing.  The  appearance  of  heavy  reinforcements  on  the 
summit,  and  the  cardinal  importance  of  the  operation  demanding 
further  support,  the  5th  under  Major  Scott,  and  Blanchard’s  compa- 
nies of  volunteers  were  immediately  detached,  accompanied  by  Bri- 
gadier-General Smith,  who  was  instructed  to  take  direction  in  that 
quarter.  On  reaching  the  advance  parties.  General  Smith  discovered 
that  under  favour  of  the  ground,  he  could,  by  directing  a portion  of 
the  force  to  the  right,  and  moving  it  obliquely  up  the  hill,  carry  the 
Soldada  simultaneously  with  the  Federacion.  He  accordingly  very 
judiciously  pointed  and  accompanied  the  5th,  7th,  and  Blanchard’s 
company  in  that  direction.  Captain  Smith’s  command  having  most 
gallantly  carried  the  first  object  of  attack,  promptly  turned  the  cap- 
tured gun — a nine-pounder — upon  the  second,  and  moved  on  with 
his  main  body  to  participate  in  the  assault  on  Soldada,  which  was 
carried  in  gallant  style  by  the  forces  under  Scott,  Miles,  Blanchard, 
and  Hays  (who  had  been  detached  on  special  service,  but  who  re- 
turned in  time  to  share  with  fifty  of  his  men  in  the  first  assault,  and 
to  take  a prominent  part  in  the  second),  the  whole  directed  by 
General  Smith. 

“At  this  point  we  secured  another  nine-pounder,  and  immediately 
both  pieces  were  brought  to  bear  upon  the  Bishop’s  Palace,  situated 
upon  and  midway  the  southern  slope  of  the  hill  Independencia,  a 
valley  of  only  six  hundred  yards  intervening.  We  had  now  secured 
an  important  advantage,  and  yet  but  half  the  work  was  done.  The 
possession  of  these  heights  only  made  the  more  apparent  the  con- 
trolling importance  of  those  opposite,  and  the  necessity  of  occupying 
the  palace.  A violent  storm  ensued,  and  night  closing  in,  operations 
for  the  day  ceased.  The  troops  had  now  been  thirty-six  hours 
without  food,  and  constantly  tasked  to  the  utmost  physical  exertions. 


96 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


Such  as  could  be  permitted  slept  with  arms  in  hand,  subjected  to  a 
pelting  storm,  and  without  covering  till  three  A.  M.,  when  they 
were  aroused  to  carry  the  hill  Independencia. 

“ Lieutenant-Colonel  Childs  was  assigned  to  lead  the  storming- 
parties,  consisting  of  three  companies,  I and  G (fourth),  and  A, 
(third  artillery  battalion;)  three  companies  8th  infantry,  (A,  B,  and 
D,)  under  Captain  Scriven,  with  two  hundred  Texan  riflemen,  under 
Colonel  Hays  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Walker  (captain  of  rifles), 
acting  in  co-operation.  The  command  moved  at  three,  conducted 
to  its  point  of  ascent  by  Captain  Sanders,  military,  and  Lieutenant 
Meade,  topographical  engineers.  Favoured  by  the  weather,  it 
reached  by  the  dawn  of  day  within  about  one  hundred  yards  of  the 
crest,  in  which  position,  among  the  clefts  of  rocks,  a body  of  the 
enemy  had  been  stationed  the  previous  evening  in  apparent  antici- 
pation of  the  attack.  The  enemy’s  retreating  fire  was  ineffectual, 
and  not  returned  until  Colonels  Childs  and  Hays’  command  had 
reached  to  within  a few  yards  of  the  summit,  when  a well-directed 
and  destructive  fire,  followed  by  the  bayonet  of  the  regulars  and 
rush  of  the  Texans,  placed  us  in  possession  of  the  work ; the  can- 
non having  been  previously  withdrawn,  no  impression  could  be 
made  upon  the  massive  walls  of  the  palace  or  its  outworks,  without 
artillery,  except  at  enormous  sacrifice. 

“ Lieutenant  Rowland,  of  Duncan’s  battery,  was  ordered  from  the 
main  rank  with  a twelve-pound  howitzer,  and  in  two  hours  (aided 
by  fifty  men  from  the  line,  under  Captain  Sanders,  military  engi- 
neer, for  the  purpose  of  selecting  the  route  least  difficult)  that  enter- 
prising and  gallant  officer  had  his  guns  in  position,  having  ascended 
an  acclivity  as  rugged  as  steep,  between  seven  and  eight  hundred 
feet  in  two  hours.  A fire  was  immediately  opened  from  the  howit- 
zer, covered  by  the  epaulement  of  the  captured  battery,  upon  the 
palace  and  its  outworks,  four  hundred  yards  distant,  and  soon  pro- 
duced a visible  sensation.  Meanwhile,  to  reinforce  the  position,  the 
5th,  Major  Scott  and  Blanchard’s  volunteers,  had  been  passed  from 
the  first  heights,  and  reached  the  second  in  time  to  participate  in 
the  operations  against  the  palace. 

“ After  many  affairs  of  light  troops  and  several  feints,  a heavy 
sortie  was  made,  sustained  by  a strong  corps  of  cavalry,  with  des- 
perate resolution,  to  repossess  the  heights.  Such  a move  had  been 
anticipated  and  prepared  for.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Childs  had  ad- 


COLONEL  CHILDS. 


worth’s  operations  at  MONTEREY. 


97 


Tanced,  under  cover,  two  companies  of  light  troops  under  the  com- 
mand of  Captain  Vinton,  acting  major,  and  judiciously  drawn  up 
the  main  body  of  his  command,  flanked  on  the  right  by  Hays,  and 
'eft  by  Walker’s  Texans.  The  enemy  advanced  boldly,  was 
repulsed  by  one  general  discharge  from  all  arms,  fled  in  confusion, 
closely  pressed  by  Childs  and  Hays,  preceded  by  the  light  troops 
under  Vinton ; and  while  they  fled  past,  our  troops  entered  the 
palace  and  fort.  In  a few  moments  the  unpretending  flag  of  our 
union  had  replaced  the  gaudy  standard  of  Mexico.  The  captured 
guns  — one  six-inch  howitzer,  one  twelve,  and  two  nine-pounder 
brass  guns,  together  with  Duncan’s  and  Mackall’s  field-batteries, 
which  came  up  at  a gallop,  were  in  full  and  effective  play  upon 
the  retiring  and  confused  masses  that  filled  the  street  (of  which  we 
had  the  prolongation)  leading  to  the  nearest  plaza.  La  Capella^  also 
crowded  with  troops.  At  this  moment  the  enemy’s  loss  was  heavy. 
The  investment  was  now  complete.  Except  the  forces  necessary 
to  hold  the  positions  on  Independencia  and  serve  the  guns  (shifted 
to  points  where  the  shot  could  be  made  to  reach  the  great  plaza), 
the  division  was  now  concentrated  around  the  palace,  and  prepara- 
tion made  to  assault  the  city  on  the  following  day,  or  sooner,  should 
the  general-in-chief  either  so  direct,  or,  before  communication  be 
had,  renew  the  assault  from  the  opposite  quarter.  In  the  mean  time 
attention  was  directed  to  every  provision  our  circumstances  per- 
mitted, to  alleviate  the  condition  of  our  wounded  soldiers  and 
officers ; to  the  decent  interment  of  the  dead,  not  omitting  in  either 
respect  all  that  was  due  to  those  of  the  enemy. 

“ About  ten  A.  M.,  on  the  23d,  a heavy  fire  was  heard  in  the  op- 
posite quarter.  Its  magnitude  and  continuance,  as  well  as  other 
j^ircumstances,  did  not  permit  a doubt  that  the  general  was  conduct- 
!ng  a main  attack ; and  that  his  orders  for  my  co-operation  (having 
io  travel  a circuit  of  some  six  miles)  had  miscarried  or  failed  to 
leach  me,  by  means  of  the  numerous  cavalry  of  the  enemy.  Under 
these  convictions,  the  troops  were  instantly  ordered  to  commence  an 
operation,  which,  if  not  otherwise  directed,  I had  designed  to  exe- 
cute in  part,  under  favour  of  the  night.  Two  columns  of  attack 
were  organized,  to  move  along  the  two  principal  streets,  leading 
from  our  position,  in  direction  of  the  great  plaza,  composed  of  light 
troops  slightly  extended,  with  orders  to  mask  the  men  whenever 

practicable,  avoid  those  points  swept  by  the  enemy’s  artillery,  to 
9 E 


98  MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 

press  on  to  the  first  plaza,  Capella,  to  get  hold  of  the  ends  of  streets 
beyond,  then  enter  the  buildings,  and  by  means  of  picks  and  bars 
break  through  the  longitudinal  section  of  the  walls,  work  from 
house  to  house,  and  ascending  the  roofs,  to  place  themselves  on  the 
same  breast-height  with  the  enemy.  Light  artillery  by  sections  and 
pieces,  under  Duncan,  Roland,  Mackall,  Martin,  Hays,  Irons,  Clarke, 
and  Curd,  followed  at  suitable  intervals,  covered  by  reserves  to 
guard  the  pieces  and  the  whole  operation  against  the  probable  en- 
terprises of  cavalry  upon  our  left.  This  was  effectually  done  by 
seizing  and  commanding  the  head  of  every  cross  street.  The  streets 
were,  at  different  and  well-chosen  points,  barricaded  by  heavy  ma- 
sonry walls,  with  embrasures  for  one  or  more  guns,  and  in  every 
instance  well  supported  by  cross  batteries.  These  arrangements 
of  defence  gave  to  our  operations  at  this  moment  a complicated  cha- 
racter, demanding  much  care  and  precaution ; but  the  work  went 
on  steadily,  simultaneously,  and  successfully.  About  the  time  our 
assault  commenced,  the  fire  ceased  from  our  force  in  the  opposite 
quarter.  Disengaged  on  the  one  side,  the  enemy  was  enabled  to 
shift  men  and  guns  to  our  quarter,  as  was  soon  manifested  by  accu- 
mulation of  fire.  At  dark  we  had  worked  through  the  walls  and 
squares,  and  reached  to  within  one  block  of  the  great  plaza,  leaving 
a covered  way  in  our  rear — carried  a large  building  which  towered 
over  the  principal  defences,  and  during  the  night  and  ensuing  morn- 
ing, crowned  its  roof  with  two  howitzers  and  a six-pounder.  All 
things  were  now  prepared  to  renew  the  assault  at  dawn  of  day, 
when  a flag  was  sent  on,  asking  a momentary  suspension  of  fire, 
which  led  to  the  capitulation  upon  terms  so  honourable  to  our  arms. 

“As  the  columns  of  attack  were  moving  from  the  palace  hill, 
Major  Munroe,  chief  of  artillery,  reached  me  with  a ten-inch  mortar, 
which  was  immediately  advanced  to  the  plaza,  chapel,  put  in  posi- 
tion masked  by  the  church  wall,  its  bed  adjusted  as  rapidly,  as  pos- 
sible, and  by  sunset  opened  upon  the  great  square.  At  this  period, 
our  troops  had  worked  to  within  one  square  of  the  plaza ; the  exact 
position  of  our  comrades,  on  the  opposite  side,  was  not  known,  and 
the  distance  of  the  position  to  be  assailed  by  the  bomb  battery,  but 
conjecturing  eight  hundred  yards  was  assumed,  and  the  fuze  and 
charge  regulated  accordingly ; the  first  shell  fell  a little  short  of  the 
point  on  which  it  was  directed,  and  beside  our  troops ; a slight  in- 
crease of  the  projecting  charge  gave  exact  results.  The  whole 


worth’s  operations  at  MONTEREY. 


99 


service  was  managed  by  Major  Miinroe,  most  admirably,  and,  com- 
bined with  other  operations,  exercised  a decided  influence  upon  the 
final  results.  Early  on  the  morning  of  the  23d,  Major  Brown’s 
artillery  battalion  was  despatched  with  a select  command,  and  one 
section  of  Mackall’s  battery,  under  Lieutenant  Irons,  to  occupy  the 
stone  mill  and  adjacent  grounds,  constituting,  one  league  in  advance, 
the  narrow  gorge  near  St.  Catarina.  The  major  took  possession, 
repulsed  the  enemy’s  pickets,  and  was  preparing  his  command  to 
resist  any  attack,  when  he  received  my  orders  to  retrace  his  steps, 
enter  the  city,  and  form  the  main  reserve  to  the  assaulting  columns. 
He  came  up  in  good  time  and  in  good  order,  and  was  at  once 
under  fire. 

“ On  the  25th,  in  conformity  to  the  articles  of  capitulation,  the 
citadel  was  taken  possession  of  by  a command  consisting  of  two 
companies  of  each  regiment,  and  one  section  of  each  battery,  second 
division.  General  Smith  was  directed  to  take  command  of  this 
corps,  and  conduct  the  ceremony ; which  duty  he  executed  with 
delicacy  to  the  unhappy  and  humiliated  foe. 

“You  will  receive  lists  of  captured  munitions  of  war,  lists  of  such 
as  were  surrendered  having  already  been  handed  in.  It  is  a source  of 
high  gratification  that  we  have  been  able  to  accomplish  such  fortunate 
results  with  so  moderate  a sacrifice  of  gallant  men.  Annexed  is  a 
return  of  killed  and  wounded,  exhibiting  dates,  actions,  and  cir- 
cumstances. 

“ When  every  officer  and  every  soldier,  regular  and  volunteer, 
has,  through  a series  of  harassing  and  severe  conflicts,  in  the  valley 
and  on  the  mountain,  in  the  street  and  on  the  house-top,  cheerfully, 
bravely,  and  successfully  executed  every  service  and  complied  with 
every  exaction  of  valour  and  patriotism,  the  task  is  as  difficult  as 
delicate,  to  distinguish  individuals ; and  yet  it  will  always  happen, 
as  it  has  always  happened  in  the  varied  scenes  of  battle  and  siege, 
that  fortune  presents  to  some  those  opportunities  which  all  would 
have  seized  with  gladness  and  avidity.  It  is  my  pleasing  and  grate- 
ful duty  to  present  to  the  consideration  of  the  general-in-chief,  and 
through  him  to  the  government,  the  distinguished  conduct  of  Briga* 
dier-General  Smith,  colonel  of  rifles.  Brevet  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Childs,  artillery  battalion.  Colonel  Hays,  Texan  riflemen.  Brevet 
Captain  C.  F.  Smith,  2d  artillery,  commanding  light  troops  first 
brigade. 


100  MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 

“ My  thanks  are  also  especially  due  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Stani- 
ford,  8th,  (commanding  first  brigade,)  Major  Munroe,  chief  of  artil- 
lery,  (general  staff;)  Brevet-Major  Brown,  Captain  J.  R.  Vinton, 
artillery  battalion ; Captain  J.  B.  Scott,  artillery  battalion  light 
troops ; Major  Scott,  commanding,  and  Captain  Merrill,  5th ; Cap- 
tains Miles,  commanding.  Holmes  and  Ross,  7th  infantry,  and  Cap- 
tain Scriven,  commanding  8th  infantry ; to  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Walker,  (captain  rifles,)  Major  Chevalier  and  Captain  McCulloch, 
of  the  Texan,  and  Captain  Blanchard,  Louisiana  volunteers;  to 
Lieutenants  Mackall,  (commanding  battery,)  Roland,  Martin,  Hays, 
Irons,  Clarke,  and  Curd,  horse  artillery ; Lieutenant  Longstreet, 
commanding  light  company,  8th ; Lieutenant  Ayres,  artillery  bat- 
talion, who  was  among  the  first  in  the  assault  upon  the  Palace,  and 
who  secured  the  colours.  Each  of  the  officers  named,  either  headed 
special  detachments,  columns  of  attack,  storming  parties,  or  detached 
guns,  and  all  were  conspicuous  for  conduct  and  courage. 

“ My  attention  has  been  particularly  directed  by  General  Smith, 
to  the  gallant  conduct  of  Lieutenant  Gardner,  7th  infantry,  during 
the  assault  upon  the  city ; on  which  occasion  he  threw  himself  in 
advance,  and  on  the  most  exposed  points,  animating  his  men  by  his 
brave  example.  Particular  attention  has  also  been  called  to  the 
Lieutenants  Nicholls,  (brothers)  Louisiana  volunteers,  as  having 
highly  distinguished  themselves  by  personal  daring  and  efficient 
service.  The  officers  of  brigade  and  regimental  staff  were  con- 
spicuous in  the  field,  or  in  their  particular  departments.  Lieutenants 
Hanson,  (commanding,)  Vanhorn,  aidTde-camp,  7th;  Lieutenant 
Robison,  5th,  (quartermaster’s  department,)  on  the  staff  of  General 
Smith;  Lieutenant  and  Adjutant  Clark,  8th  infantry,  staff  1st 
brigade;  Lieutenant  Benjamin,  adjutant  artillery  battalion  — Peck, 
ordnance  officer,  artillery  battalion ; G.  Deas,  adjutant  5th ; and 
Page,  adjutant  7th  infantry,  are  highly  commended  by  their  respec- 
tive chiefs,  to  the  justness  of  which  I have  the  pleasure  to  add  my 
personal  observation.  In  common  with  the  entire  division,  my  par- 
ticular thanks  are  tendered  to  Assistant  Surgeons,  Porter,  (senior,) 
Byrne,  Conrad,  De  Leon,  and  Roberts,  (medical  department,)  who 
were  ever  at  hand  in  the  close  fight,  promptly  administering  to  the 
wounded  and  suffering  soldier. 

“ To  the  officers  of  the  staff,  general  and  personal,  more  espe- 
cially associated  with  myself — Hon.  Colonel  Balie  Peyton,  Louisi- 


COMMENDATION  OF  OFFICERS. 


101 


ana  troops,  who  did  me  the  honour  to  serve  as  aid-de-camp;  Cap- 
tain Sanders,  military  engineers ; Lieutenant  Meade,  topographical 
engineers ; Lieutenants  E.  Deas,  Daniels,  and  Ripley,  quartermas- 
ter’s and  commissary’s  staff ; and  Lieutenants  Pemberton,  4th  artil- 
lery, and  Wood,  8th  infantry,  my  aids-de-camp— I have  to  express 
the  greatest  obligation.  In  such  diversified  operations  during  the 
three  days  and  nights,  they  were  constantly  in  motion,  performing 
every  executive  duty,  with  zeal  and  intelligence  only  surpassed  by 
daring  courage  in  conflict.  I beg  to  commend  each  to  special  con- 
sideration. 

“ We  have  to  lament  the  gallant  Captains  McKavett,  8th  infantry, 
an  officer  of  high  merit,  killed  on  the  21st,  and  Gillespie,  Texas 
volunteers,  on  the  22d.  The  latter  eminently  distinguished  himself 
while  leading  his  brave  company  at  the  storming  of  the  first  height, 
and  perished  in  seeking  similar  distinction  on  a second  occasion ; 
Captain  Gatlin  and  Lieutenant  Potter,  7th,  Lieutenant  Rossell,  5th, 
and  Wainwright,  8th  infantry,  and  Lieutenant  Reece,  Texas  rifle- 
men, received  honourable,  happily  not  mortal  wounds. 

“ The  following  non-commissioned  officers  are  reported  as  having 
highly  distinguished  themselves : Sergeants  Hazard,  4th,  and  Dil- 
worth,  3d  artillery ; Quartermaster  Sergeant  Henry,  7th  infantry ; 
Cross,  company  C;  Rounds,  Bradford,  (colour  sergeants,)  and  Nogg, 
company  E ; Bailey,  company  I,  and  Ballard,  7th  infantry. 

“ In  the  several  conflicts  with  the  division,  the  enemy’s  loss  is 
ascertained  to  exceed  four  hundred  and  fifty  men,  four  nine-pounders, 
one  twelve-pounder  brass  gun,  one  twenty-four-pounder  howitzer, 
and  two  national  (garrison)  standards  captured.” 

Samuel  C.  Reid,  in  his  excellent  work,  “ Scouting  Expeditions  of 
the  Texas  Rangers,”  gives  this  vivid  account  of  the  street-fight  in 
which  Worth’s  men  were  engaged ; — 

“ Every  street  was  barricaded  with  heavy  works  of  masonry,  the 
walls  being  some  three  or  four  feet  thick,  with  embrasures  for  one 
or  more  guns,  which  raked  the  streets ; the  walls  of  gardens  and 
sides  of  houses  were  all  loop-holed  for  musketry ; the  tops  of  the 
houses  were  covered  with  troops,  who  were  sheltered  behind  para- 
pets some  four  feet  high,  upon  which  were  piled  sand-bags  for  their 
better  protection,  and  from  which  they  showered  down  a hurricane 
of  halls. 

“ Between  three  and  four  o’clock,  from  the  cessation  of  the  fire 
9* 


102  MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 

in  the  opposite  direction,  it  was  evident  that  the  enemy  had  become 
disengaged,  which  enabled  them  to  draw  off  men  and  guns  to  our 
side,  as  their  fire  had  now  become  almost  doubly  increased.  The 
street-fight  became  appalling — both  columns  were  now  closely  en- 
gaged with  the  enemy,  and  steadily  advanced  inch  by  inch — our 
artillery  was  heard  rumbling  over  the  paved  streets,  galloping  here 
and  there  as  the  emergency  required,  and  pouring  forth  a blazing 
fire  of  grape  and  ball — volley  after  volley  of  musketry,  and  the  con- 
tinued peals  of  artillery  became  almost  deafening.  The  artillery  of 
both  sides  raked  the  streets,  the  balls  striking  the  houses  with  a ter- 
rible crash,  while  amid  the  roar  of  battle  were  heard  the  battering 
instruments  used  by  the  Texans.  Doors  were  forced  open,  walls 
were  battered  down,  entrances  made  through  the  longitudinal  walls, 
and  the  enemy  driven  from  room  to  room,  and  from  house  to  house, 
followed  by  the  shrieks  of  women,  and  the  sharp  crack  of  Texan 
rifles.  Cheer  after  cheer  was  heard  in  proud  and  exulting  defiance, 
as  the  Texans  or  regulars  gained  the  house-tops  by  means  of  lad- 
ders,' while  they  poured  in  a rain  of  bullets  upon  the  enemy  on  the 
opposite  houses.” 

The  same  writer  thus  speaks  of  General  Worth  : — 

“The  position  General  Worth  then  occupied  might  have  been 
considered  as  critical  as  it  was  dangerous.  Separated  from  the  main 
body  of  the  army — his  communication  cut  off,  and  no  possible  route 
less  than  eight  miles  to  retain  it — with  but  scanty  supplies  of  pro- 
visions for  four  days,  surrounded  by  gorges  and  passes  of  the  moun- 
tains, from  whose  summits  belched  forth  the  destructive  shot,  shell, 
and  grape,  he  was  liable  at  any  moment  to  be  attacked  by  an  over- 
whelming force  in  the  direction  of  Saltillo,  which  had  been  reported 
to  be  daily  expected,  and  which  would  have  placed  his  command  in 
the  very  jaws  of  the  enemy.  For  although  holding  the  gorges  and 
passes  of  the  Saltillo  road,  yet  a superior  force  from  the  advance 
would  certainly  have  forced  him  back  to,  and  have  turned  upon  him 
the  very  passes  which  he  then  held.  It  was  feared  too,  from  his 
impetuous  nature,  that  he  would  rush  his  command  into  unnecessary 
danger  by  some  rash  and  desperate  attempt.  But  it  was  not  so. 
He  was  collected,  calm,  and  cool,  and  bore  himself  with  that  proud, 
resolute,  and  commanding  mien,  giving  his  orders  with  promptness 
and  decision,  which  inspired  men  and  officers  alike  with  confidence. 
He  never  appeared  better  than  on  that  day ; and  all  felt  that  with 


WORTH’S  OPERATIONS  AT  MONTEREY.  103 

Worth  they  were  sure  of  victory.  He  knew  that  General  Taylor 
had  staked  the  issue  of  the  battle  on  him,  and  he  felt  the  great  and 
weighty  responsibility  that  rested  on  the  course  he  should  pursue. 
As  he  surveyed  with  his  glass  the  enemy’s  works  before  him,  he 
seemed  to  feel  that  not  a moment  was  to  be  lost.  He  saw  at  once 
that  it  would  be  necessary  to  carry  by  storm  the  battery  on  Federa- 
cion  hill,  situated  on  the  right  bank  of  the  San  Juan  de  Monterey, 
as  well  as  the  fort  on  the  ridge  of  the  same  height,  called  Soldada, 
about  six  hundred  yards  from  the  battery  on  the  crest  of  the  hill,  as 
these  two  batteries  commanded  the  approaches  from  the  Saltillo 
road,  as  well  as  the  egress  from  the  city.  For  this  purpose.  Captain 
C.  F.  Smith  of  the  2d  artillery  was  ordered  to  proceed  with  his 
own,  and  three  companies  of  the  artillery  battalion,  commanded  by 
Lieutenants  Shackelford,  Van  Vliet,  and  Phelps — ^accompanied  by 
Lieutenant  Edward  Deas,  of  the  quartermaster’s  staff,  and  Lieute- 
nant Gibson,  together  with  two  companies  of  the  Texas  Rangers 
(dismounted),  under  our  brave  and  gallant  Major  Chevalier,  com- 
manded by  Captains  Gillespie,  Ballowe,  McCulloch,  Chandler, 
Green,  and  McGowan.  The  whole  command  numbered  in  all  three 
hundred  men,  more  than  half  of  whom  were  Rangers. 

“ It  was  now  about  twelve  o’clock,  and  the  meridian  sun  poured 
down  its  hottest  rays.  Before  us  stood  the  steep  and  rugged  hill, 
about  three  hundred  and  eighty  feet  high,  whose  slopes  were 
covered  with  thick  and  thorny  chapparal.  With  a glass  could  be 
seen  the  swarm  of  Mexicans  that  crowned  the  height,  while  its 
cannon  that  looked  down  in  defiance  at  us,  seemed  to  threaten  with 
annihilation  all  who  dared  approach.  The  daring  of  the  expedi- 
tion was  thought  to  be  one  of  the  last  hope ; and  men  looked  for- 
ward to  meet  death  calmly  in  the  face,  as  they  felt  that  it  was  only 
by  great  sacrifice  that  they  could  gain  a victory.  General  Worth 
rode  up  as  the  command  moved  off,  and  pointing  to  the  height 
said  : — ‘Mm  you  are  to  take  that  hill  and  I know  you  will  do  it.'* 
With  one  response  they  replied  : — ‘We  will  f and  those  who  be- 
fore had  felt  a doubt  as  to  its  practicability,  now  became  reanimated 
and  felt  themselves  invincible.  The  words  of  Worth  had  nerved 
every  arm,  and  hearts  swelled  with  that  proud  feeling  of  enthu- 
siasm, which  makes  men  indomitable  before  the  foe.  The  command 
took  up  its  line  of  march  along  the  Saltillo  road,  and  then  struck 
off'  to  the  right  through  fields  of  corn  and  sugar,  in  single  file,  in 


104 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


order  to  conceal,  as  far  as  possible,  the  movement  from  the  enemy. 
On  we  hurried  in  double  quick  time,  brustling  through  the  rows  of 
cane  and  corn  towards  the  river  bank.  It  was  soon  evident  that  we 
were  discovered,  and  while  yet  in  the  fields,  the  batteries  opened 
upon  us  a fierce  and  plunging  fire,  enveloping  the  crown  of  the  hill 
with  smoke,  through  which  could  be  seen  the  blazing  of  the  cannon, 
which  seemed  to  vie  with  the  sunbeams’  glare.  On  we  pressed 
toward  their  murderous  artillery,  until  we  gained  the  bank  of  the 
rapid  stream,  which  we  had  to  cross.  Unprotected  and  exposed  to 
the  very  face  of  the  enemy,  a terrific  storm  of  shot  and  grape  was 
now  poured  into  our  ranks.  Nothing  daunted  the  men  rushed  into 
the  sweeping  current,  waist  deep,  while  the  enemy’s  shot,  as  it 
struck  the  water,  sent  forth  a hissing  sound,  and  made  the  river  boil 
and  foam  with  the  whistling  windage  of  their  venomous  copper 
balls.  Bravely  did  our  men  stem  the  torrent  amid  the  shower  of 
galling  grape,  and  soon  we  reached  the  opposite  bank  and  clam- 
bered up  the  rocky  steep  without  the  loss  of  a man.” 

W orth  was  appointed  principal  of  the  delegation  to  negotiate  the 
capitulation,  and  contributed  more  than  any  other  man  to  a final 
adjustment  of  the  unfortunate  issues  which  arose  during  the  deli- 
berations. 

While  Taylor  remained  at  Monterey,  Worth  with  twelve  hun- 
dred men  and  eight  pieces  of  artillery,  marched  against  Saltillo,  of 
which  he  took  possession  without  the  slightest  opposition.  Here  he 
remained  until  the  middle  of  January,  when  he  was  ordered  to  pro- 
ceed with  the  regulars  and  volunteers  of  the  army  to  join  General 
Scott  at  Vera  Cruz. 

On  arriving  at  the  coast.  General  Worth  soon  convinced  all 
around  him  that  his  part  in  the  siege  was  to  be  an  active  one.  He 
is  among  the  very  few  officers  mentioned  by  Commodore  Conner  in 
his  description  of  the  landing.  The  latter  has  the  following  lan- 
guage descriptive  of  that  brilliant  scene  : — 

“The  anchorage  near  this  place  being  extremely  contracted,  it 
became  necessary,  in  order  to  avoid  crowding  it  with  an  undue 
number  of  vessels,  to  transfer  most  of  the  troops  to  the  vessels  of 
war  for  transportation  to  Sacrificios.  Accordingly,  on  the  morning 
of  the  9th,  at  daylight,  all  necessary  preparations  — such  as  launch- 
ing and  numbering  the  boats,  detailing  officers,  &c.,  — having  been 
previously  made,  this  transfer  was  commenced.  The  frigates 


TROOPS  LANDED  AT  VERA  CRUZ. 


105 


received  on  board  between  twenty-five  and  twenty-eight  hundred 
men  each,  with  their  arms  and  accoutrements,  and  the  sloops  and 
smaller  vessels  numbers  in  proportion.  This  part  of  the  movement 
was  completed  very  successfully  about  eleven  o’clock  A.  M.,  and  a 
few  minutes  thereafter  the  squadron  under  my  command,  accompa- 
nied by  the  commanding  general,  in  the  steamship  Massachusetts, 
and  such  of  the  transports  as  had  been  selected  for  the  purpose,  got 
under  way. 

“The  weather  was  very  fine  — indeed  we  could  not  have  been 
more  favoured  in  this  particular  than  we  were.  We  had  a fresh 
and  yet  gentle  breeze  from  the  south-east,  and  a perfectly  smooth 
sea.  The  passage  to  Sacrificios  occupied  us  between  two  and 
three  hours.  Each  ship  came  in  and  anchored  without  the  slightest 
disorder  or  confusion,  in  the  small  space  allotted  to  her  — the  har- 
bour being  still  very  much  crowded,  notwithstanding  the  number 
of  transports  we  had  left  behind.  The  disembarkation  commenced 
on  the  instant. 

“ Whilst  we  were  transferring  the  troops  from  the  ships  to  the 
surf-boats  (sixty-five  in  number),  I directed  the  steamers  Spitfire 
and  Vixen,  and  the  five  gun-boats,  to  form  a line  parallel  with  and 
close  in  to  the  beach,  to  cover  the  landing.  This  order  was  prompt- 
ly executed,  and  these  small  vessels,  from  the  lightness  of  their 
draught,  were  enabled  to  take  positions  within  good  grape-range  of 
the  shore.  As  the  boats  severally  received  their  compliments  of 
troops,  they  assembled  in  a line,  abreast,  between  the  fleet  and  the 
gun-hoats  ; and  when  all  were  ready,  they  pulled  in  together,  under 
the  guidance  of  a number  of  officers  of  the  squadron,  who  had  been 
detailed  for  this  purpose.  General  Worth  commanded  this,  the 
first  line  of  the  army,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  forming  his  com- 
mand on  the  beach  and  neighbouring  heights  just  before  sunset. 
Four  thousand  five  hundred  men  were  thus  thrown  on  shore,  almost 
simultaneously.  No  enemy  appeared  to  ofier  us  the  slightest  oppo- 
sition. The  first  line  being  landed,  the  boats  in  successive  trips  re- 
lieved the  men-of-war  and  transports  of  the  remaining  troops,  by  ten 
o’clock  P.  M.  The  wffiole  army  (save  a few  straggling  companies), 
consisting  of  upwards  of  ten  thousand  men,  were  thus  safely  depo- 
sited on  shore,  without  the  slightest  accident  of  any  kind.” 

An  eye-witness  of  the  same  scene  says  : 

“ General  Worth,  certainly  the  most  useful  man  in  command 
E* 


106  MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 

here,  had  a smart  brush  with  a body  of  Mexicans  last  night  [March 
12th]  and  this  morning,  in  which  they  were  beaten.  A cemetery 
about  one  mile  from  the  city  was  taken  possession  of,  and  fortified 
by  General  Worth.” 

From  the  very  nature  of  a siege,  few  individuals  save  the  artiller- 
ists are  able  to  distinguish  themselves.  Worth,  however,  received 
the  commendations  of  General  Scott,  and  was  appointed  to-negotiate 
the  terms  of  surrender.  He  also  attended  while  the  city  was  being 
evacuated  by  the  Mexicans,  and  was  subsequently  appointed  mili- 
tary governor.  This  office  he  held  only  for  a short  time,  moving 
with  the  army  in  its  march  toward  the  Mexican  capital.  At  Sierra 
Gordo,  he  marched  with  his  whole  division  to  support  the  left  of 
General  Twiggs,  in  the  attack  upon  the  main  fort.  During  the 
whole  time  he  was  exposed  to  the  full  range  of  the  enemy’s  fire, 
but  in  unison  with  his  brother  officer  gallantly  carried  the  redoubt, 
and  completely  routed  the  garrison. 

On  the  22d  of  April,  Worth  captured  the  town  and  castle  of  Pe- 
rote,‘  one  of  the  strongest  in  Mexico.  It  contained  immense  quanti- 
ties of  ammunition,  ordnance,  small  arms  and  other  military  stores. 
On  the  16th  of  May  he  approached  the  city  of  Puebla.  Here  Santa 
Anna  had  a portion  of  his  army,  with  which  he  was  collecting  pro- 
visions and  other  stores.  As  Worth  approached,  he  was  met  by 
about  fifteen  hundred  lancers,  and  a skirmish  ensued  on  the  plains 
of  Amasoca,  in  which  the  enemy  lost  ten  in  killed  and  wounded. 
They  retreated,  and  were  pursued  over  the  plain,  and  through  the 
streets  of  the  city.  Santa  Anna  fled  at  the  same  time,  with  the  re- 
maining portion  of  his  troops. 

“ The  city  of  Puebla  is  located  on  a plain,  and  the  main  posi- 
tion of  the  place  is  nearly  level,  the  streets  a little  wider  than  those 
of  any  Mexican  towns  I have  seen  — the  style  of  building  is  nearly 
the  same  throughout  the  city;  and  taking  it  all  through,  is  the  best 
built  town  or  city  I have  ever  seen,  and  the  people  are  the  worst 
population  with  which  I have  ever  come  in  contact.  The  streets 
are  daily  more  crowded  than  either  Chartres,  Camp,  or  St.  Charles 
streets,  of  New  Orleans,  and  depravity,  vice  and  degradation  are 
depicted  in  every  expression  of  the  great  mass,  from  the  infant  to 
the  aged  and  infirm.  It  seems  utterly  inconceivable  that  a popula- 
tion of  this  kind  should  inhabit  such  a beautiful  and  well-built  city. 
The  population,  I heard  before  my  arrival,  was  about  thirty  thou- 


DESCRIPTION  OF  PUEBLA. 


107 


sand ; from  all  the  information  I can  get  I do  not  think  it  contains 
less  than  sixty  thousand  souls.  The  people  of  this  place  (los  Pue 
blanos)  are  noted  throughout  the  whole  of  Mexico  for  their  villany 
and  their  turbulent  spirit.  I am  free  to  confess  that  I do  not  think 
there  is  as  much  religion,  and  as  little  morality,  in  any  town  on  the 
continent  of  America,  as  can  be  found  here.  The  mass  of  the  peo- 
ple are  very  poor,  while  the  rich  are  very  rich — the  poor  are  always 
ready  to* engage  in  crimes  of  every  shape  and  hue,  and  prefer  vice 
to  labour  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  the  necessary  means  of  sup- 
port. There  are  upwards  of  one  hundred  churches,  seven  hundred 
priests,  and  the  value  of  the  church  property  is  a little  over  one 
hundred  and  forty-eight  millions  of  dollars.  The  churches  are  all 
of  a very  superior  order.  It  is  impossible  to  convey  an  idea  of  the 
magnificence  of  the  cathedral.  I have  heard  men  who  have  seen 
every  public  building  in  the  United  States,  and  many  of  those  in 
foreign  countries,  state  that  they  have  never  seen  any  building  that 
would,  in  the  least  degree,  compare  with  the  elegance  and  gorgeous- 
ness of  this  building  and  its  decorations  — the  large  paintings,  solid 
massive  gold  and  gilded  carved  work,  are  all  of  the  finest  style,  and 
are  so  arranged  as  to  present  the  appearance  of  sublimity.  Although 
there  are  a great  number  of  designs  and  paintings,  there  does  not 
appear  to  be  too  many  or  too  few,  but  just  enough  to  show  well. 
Like  all  other  places  in  this  country,  Puebla  has  its  places  of  amuse- 
ment and  resort.  The  Almeda  (a  large  public  garden)  with  its  wide 
walks,  blooming  flowers,  flowing  fountains,  and  shading  trees,  all 
within  a permanent  and  neat  enclosure — theatres,  amphitheatre  for 
bull-fighting,  cockpits,  etc.,  to  all  of  which  the  men,  women  and 
children  flock  in  great  crowds  at  certain  seasons  of  the  year,  for  the 
purpose  of  enjoying  such  festivities  as  may  ‘be  on  hand.’  Bull- 
fighting is  their  great  national  amusement,  which  usually  takes  place 
on  Sundays  and  feast  days,  so  that  it  may  not  interfere  with  their 
usual  business.  Church  in  the  morning,  and  bull-fighting  in  the 
evening,  and  a fandango  at  night.  Men,  women  and  children,  of  all 
ages  and  conditions,  visit  the  arena  as  a usual  pastime  amusement. 
When  the  desperate  conflict  commences,  they  all,  male  and  female, 
become  excited  alike,  the  men  rewarding  the  victors  with  roars  of 
applause,  and  the  ladies  with  the  waving  of  white  handkerchiefs. 
The  climate  is  a most  pleasant  one,  the  temperature  varying  but 
little  between  winter  and  summer — the  nights  being  cool  enough  to 


108 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


make  sleeping  under  a blanket  comfortable,  and  the  days  warm 
enough  to  be  agreeable,  the  heat  not  oppressive,  and  juleps  desirable 
in  which  we  have  the  opportunity  of  indulging.  Snow  and  ice  are 
daily  brought  down  from  the  mountains,  and  hawked  through  the 
streets  for  sale.  From  the  peculiar  adaptation  of  the  climate  and 
soil  to  the  culture  of  all  kinds  of  fruit,  grain,  and  vegetables,  there 
is  one  of  the  best  supplied  markets  here  I have  ever  seen — there  is 
an  abundance  of  all  the  fruits  and  vegetables  of  the  northern  parts 
of  the  United  States,  together  with  those  of  the  south  and  West  In- 
dies. The  meats  and  fowl  are  very  fine,  and  the  supply  good,  though, 
unlike  our  country,  it  is  never  offered  for  sale  in  the  public  market- 
places, but  usually  kept  in  private  store-houses  in  diflbrent  parts  of 
the  city.  The  rainy  season  has  fairly  commenced,  but  I cannot  say 
it  is  at  all  unpleasant  — the  sun  shines  out  fair  and  brilliant  in  the 
morning,  and  so  continues  until  about  two  o’clock,  when  suddenly  a 
dark  heavy  cloud  makes  its  appearance  on  the  mountain-side,  and 
soon  passes  over  the  valley,  enveloping  it  in  darkness,  and  pouring 
out  its  floods  of  water,  which  completely  drench  the  earth  for  about 
four  hours,  when  the  rain  usually  ceases  ; in  half  an  hour  the  streets 
are  as  dry  as  if  there  had  not  been  a rain  for  twelve  months  — all 
classes  and  conditions  again  sally  out  into  the  streets,  and  the  city 
soon  becomes  the  theatre  of  a motley  crowd  ; those  who  can  lay  any 
claim  to  decency  are  the  more  gay  and  lively,  while  vice  and  im- 
morality, as  if  invigorated  by  a short  respite,  come  out  in  all  the  gay 
and  inviting  dresses  calculated  to  allure  and  deceive.” 

Puebla  became  the  head-quarters  of  the  army  until  the  8th  of 
August,  when  General  Scott  commenced  his  march  for  the  capital. 
He  led  the  advance  while  marching  around  Lake  Chaleo,  and  was 
the  first  to  reach  the  hacienda  of  San  Gregoria,  when  a halt  was 
ordered,  in  consequence  of  General  Twiggs  having  met  a large  force 
of  the  enemy  near  Chaleo. 

On  the  17th,  General  Worth  renewed  his  march  over  a terribly 
bad  road,  but  by  eight  o’clock  in  the  morning  he  was  in  sight  of  the 
domes  and  spires  of  the  capital,  without  any  opposition,  except  that 
rocks  had  been  rolled  into  the  road,  and  ditches  dug,  evidently 
showing  that  General  Scott  had  stolen  a march  on  Santa  Anna.  On 
reaching  this  point,  however,  a scattering  fire  was  opened  by  a force 
stationed  in  an  advantageous  position,  which  was  soon  silenced  by 
Colonel  Smith’s  light  battalion  of  the  2d  artillery,  under  Major  Galb. 


MARCH  ON  THE  CAPITAL.  109 

Another  attack  was  shortly  after  made,  but  again  the  enemy’s  pickets 
were  driven  in  without  loss. 

At  seven  o’clock  on  the  18th,  General  Scott  arrived  at  San  Au- 
gustine, and  at  ten  o’clock  General  Worth  was  in  full  march  for  the 
city  of  Mexico  by  the  main  road.  Majors  Smith  and  Turnbull, 
Captain  Mason  and  other  engineer  officers,  were  sent  in  advance, 
supported  by  Captain  Blake’s  squadron  of  dragoons,  to  reconnoitre, 
when  a masked  battery  was  opened  on  them,  and  the  first  ball  from 
an  eighteen-pounder  killed  Captain  Thornton  of  the  2d  dragoons, 
besides  seriously  wounding  a guide. 

Colonel  Garland’s  brigade  was  ordered  to  occupy  a position  in 
plain  sight  of  the  enemy’s  batteries  at  San  Antonio,  whilst  Colonel 
Stark’s  brigade  and  Duncan’s  battery  took  their  station  in  the  rear 
close  by.  A party  was  then  sent  out  to  reconnoitre  to  ascertain  the 
practicability  of  finding  a road  by  which  the  village  of  San  Angel 
could  be  reached,  and  the  stronghold  of  San  Antonio  thus  turned ; 
this  party  had  a skirmish  with  the  enemy,  killing  five  or  six,  and 
taking  as  many  prisoners,  without  losing  a man. 

The  result  of  the  reconnoissance  was  favourable,  and  it  was  ascer- 
tained that  a read  could  be  made.  The  Mexicans  were  plainly  seen 
in  force  near  Bronteras,  and  at  a council  held  that  night  it  was  de- 
termined to  attack  them  in  the  morning.  While  this  reconnoissance 
was  going  on.  General  Worth  had  established  himself  at  the  hacienda 
of  Buvera,  from  the  windows  of  which  countless  numbers  of  the 
enemy  could  be  seen  at  work  upon  the  batteries  of  San  Antonio. 
About  noon  they  opened  upon  the  h'acienda  with  both  round  shot 
and  shell.  Nearly  every  shot  took  effect,  but  did  no  damage,  except 
to  the  buildings.  Late  in  the  evening  they  ceased  firing,  and  were 
silent  during  the  remainder  of  the  night.  Had  the  fire  been  kept 
up,  the  hacienda  might  have  been  torn  to  pieces,  and  the  entire 
command  compelled  to  retire. 

At  eight  o’clock  on  the  morning  of  the  19th,  the  batteries  again 
opened  on  General  Worth’s  position.  So  hot  was  the  fire  that  the 
troops  were  compelled  to  gain  shelter  behind  the  buildings,  but  did 
not  give  up  their  position.  About  nine  o’clock  the  divisions  of 
Twiggs  and  Pillow  were  ordered  to  march  in  the  direction  of  Bron- 
teras, and  by  one  o’clock  in  the  afternoon  were  in  plain  sight  of  the 
enemy’s  batteries,  and  within  range  of  the  heavier  guns.  The  bri- 
gade of  Colonel  P.  F.  Smith  was  ordered  to  advance  directly  towards 
10 


110 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


\ 

the  enemy’s  works,  whilst  that  of  Colonel  Riley  moved  towards  a 
small  village  at  the  right,  and  thus  cut  off  reinforcements  which 
might  be  sent  to  Valencia  from  the  city.  An  incessant  fire  was 
opened  on  Colonel  Smith’s  command,  and  soon  the  rifles  were  en- 
gaged with  the  pickets  of  the  enemy,  driving  them  in.  The  twelve- 
pounder  battery  of  Captain  Magruder,  and  the  mountain  howitzer 
batteries  now  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Callender  of  the  ordnance 
department,  were  pressed  forward  and  opened  on  the  enemy,  but 
were  so  much  exposed  to  a fire  from  heavier  guns,  that  they  were 
soon  silenced.  Lieutenants  Johnson  and  Callender  were  seriously 
wounded. 

At  three  o’clock,  General  Cadwalader  was  ordered  out  to  support 
Colonel  Riley — heavy  reinforcements  having  been  seen  on  their 
way  out  from  the  city,  whilst  General  Pierce  was  sent  to  sustain 
General  Smith.  The  firing  from  the  enemy’s  batteries  was  inces- 
sant. About  four  o’clock  General  Scott  arrived,  and  seeing  the 
immense  strength  of  the  Mexicans,  at  once  ordered  General  Shields’ 
brigade  to  support  Riley  and  Cadwalader,  and  prevent,  if  possible, 
a junction  of  the  forces  coming  out  of  the  city,  with  those  of  Valen- 
cia. But  few  of  the  movements  of  our  troops  could  be  seen,  but 
every  motion  of  the  enemy  was  visible.  The  order  of  battle  of 
Valencia  was  most  imposing.  His  infantry  was  seen  drawn  up  to 
support  the  batteries,  whilst  long  lines  of  the  enemy’s  cavalry  were 
stationed  in  the  rear,  as  if  awaiting  the  shock  of  the  battle. 

Two  separate  charges  of  the  latter  were  distinctly  seen  to  be  re- 
pulsed by  Colonel  Riley.  Until  night  had  fairly  closed  in,  the  firing 
from  the  enemy  s batteries  had  not  slackened  ; it  had  been  a con- 
tinuous roar  for  nearly  six  hours. 

General  Scott  retired  to  San  Augustine  about  eight  o’clock,  in  the 
midst  of  a hard  rain,  and  Generals  Twiggs  and  Pillow  came  in  about 
eleven  o’clock,  completely  exhausted,  not  anticipating  the  great 
strength  of  the  works  of  the  enemy. 

It  was  thought  that  the  batteries  could  be  taken  at  a dash,  and 
that  the  troops  would  be  comfortably  quartered  at  San  Angel  for  the 
night ; instead  of  this  a large  portion  of  them  were  compelled  to 
bivouack,  without  blankets,  in  the  midst  of  a pitiless  storm. 

On  the  morning  of  the  20th,  General  Worth  was  ordered  to  move 
a part  of  his  division  (Garland’s  brigade)  to  aid  in  the  attack  on 
Valencia,  for  to  force  this  position  was  deemed  indispensable. 

At  seven  o’clock,  a few  discharges 'of  cannon  were  heard,  and 


SAN  ANTONIO  CAPTURED. 


Ill 


the  rattling  of  musketry,  and  some  even  said,  that  in  the  distance 
horses  of  the  enemy  could  be  seen  flying  towards  the  city,  yet  few 
deemed  that  the  batteries  had  been  stormed  and  carried,  yet  it  was 
so.  General  Scott,  accompanied  by  General  Worth,  started  for 
the  scene  of  action,  when  they  were  met  by  Captain  Mason,  with 
the  joyful  intelligence  that  Valencia  had  been  completely  routed 
after  a terrible  struggle. 

The  attack  upon  his  works  was  planned  by  General  Smith,  and 
resulted  in  the  capture  of  fifteen  pieces  of  artillery  and  some  fifteen 
hundred  prisoners,  among  them  Generals  Blanco,  Garcia,  Mendoza 
and  the  notorious  Salas.  He  also  captured  all  the  ammunition  and 
camp  furniture,  and  the  road  over  which  those  who  escaped  fled 
was  strewed  with  muskets.  No  less  than  seven  hundred  of  the 
enemy,  among  them  many  officers,  were  left  dead  upon  the  field, 
whilst  the  number  of  wounded  was  far  greater. 

The  works  of  Bronteras  were  completely  in  the  power  of  the 
American  army. 

General  Scott  at  once  ordered  General  Worth  to  fall  back  on  San 
Antonio,  to  tun:i  and  capture  that  work,  and  then  push  on  towards 
the  capital  by*  the  main  road,  whilst  the  main  body  of  the  army 
moved  on  towards  San  Angel  and  Cohoycam. 

General  Twiggs  had  scarcely  moved  a half  a mile  beyond  the  lat- 
ter village,  when  a rattling  fire  of  musketry  announced  that  our  forces 
was  actively  engaged  with  the  outposts  of  the  enemy,  and  the  heavy 
booming  of  cannon  now  gave  token  that  the  noted  second  division 
had  fallen  on  another  strong  work. 

A few  minutes  more  and  a tremendous  firing  from  the  right  made 
it  evident  that  General  Worth’s  division  was  also  actively  engaged ; 
he  had  completely  turned  the  strong  works  of  San  Antonio,  but 
while  doing  so,  the  enemy  had  abandoned  the  place  with  a loss  of 
three  heavy  guns,  and  had  fallen  back  on  a second  and  stronger 
line  of  works. 

It  was  now^  one  o’clock,  P.  M.,  and  about  the  commencement  of 
the  battles,  and  such  a rattling  of  fire-arms  has  seldom  or  never  been 
heard  on  the  continent  of  America,  accompanied  with  such  booming 
of  artillery  ; and  this  was  continued  over  two  hours,  when  the 
enemy  was  completely  routed  from  every  point,  and  until  those  who 
were  not  killed  or  taken  prisoners  were  in  full  flight  for  the  city. 

The  strength  of  the  enemy  in  this  battle  is  known  to  have  been 


112 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


fifteen  or  twenty  thousand,  all  fresh  troops,  and  occupying  a posi- 
tion of  uncommon  strength.  Opposed  to  them  were  about  six  thou- 
sand Americans,  jaded  and  broken  down  by  marches,  counter- 
marches, and  incessant  toil. 

After  these  brilliant  victories  the  succeeding  armistice  delayed  the 
operations  of  the  army  more  than  two  weeks ; but  as  all  attempts  to 
conclude  a treaty  had  failed,  both  armies  prepared  for  another  despe- 
rate struggle.  On  the  7th,  the  American  army  commenced  recon- 
noissances  of  the  enemy’s  positions,  with  the  purpose  of  making  an 
immediate  attack. 

“ The  same  afternoon,”  says  General  Scott,  “ a large  body  of  the 
enemy  was  discovered  hovering  about  the  Molinos  del  Bey,  within 
a mile  and  a third  of  this  village,  where  I am  quartered  with  the 
general  staff  and  Worth’s  division. 

“It  might  have  been  supposed  that  an  attack  upon  us  was  in- 
tended ; but  knowing  the  great  value  to  the  enemy  of  those  mills, 
(Molinos  del  Bey,)  containing  a cannon  foundry,  with  a large  de- 
posit of  powder  in  Casa  Mata  near  them  ; and  having  heard,  two 
days  before,  that  many  church  bells  had  been  sent  out  to  be  cast  into 
guns,  the  enemy’s  movement  was  easily  understood,  and  I resolved, 
at  once,  to  drive  him  early  the  next  morning,  to  seize  the  powder, 
and  to  destroy  the  foundry. 

“Another  motive  for  this  decision  — leaving  the  general  plan  of 
attack  upon  the  city  for  full  reconnoissances  — was,  that  we  knew 
our  recent  captures  had  left  the  enemy  not  a fourth  of  the  guns  ne- 
cessary to  arm,  all  at  the  same  time,  the  strong  works  at  each  of  the 
eight  city  gates ; and  we  could  not  cut  the  communication  between 
the  capital  and  the  foundry  without  first  taking  the  formidable  castle 
on  the  heights  of  Chapultepec,  which  overlooked  both  and  stood 
between. 

“For  this  difficult  operation  we  were  not  entirely  ready;  and, 
moreover,  we  might  altogether  neglect  the  castle,  if,  as  we  then 
hoped,  our  reconnoissances  should  prove  that  the  distant  southerri 
approaches  to  the  city  were  more  eligible  than  this  south-western 
approach. 

“Hence  the  decision  promptly  taken,  the  execution  of  which 
was  assigned  to  Brevet  Major-General  Worth,  whose  division  was 
reinforced  with  Cadwalader’s  brigade  of  Pillow’s  division,  three 
squadrons  of  dragoons  under  Major  Sumner,  and  some  heavy  guns 


BATTLE  OF  MOLINO  DEL  KEY. 


113 


of  the  siege-train  under  Captain  Huger,  of  the  ordnance,  and  Cap- 
tain Drum,  of  the  4th  artillery — two  officers  of  the  highest  merit 

“ For  the  decisive  and  brilliant  results,  I beg  to  refer  to  the  report 
of  the  immediate  commander,  Major-General  Worth,  in  whose  com- 
mendations of  the  gallant  officers  and  men,  dead  and  living,  I 
heartily  concur ; having  witnessed,  but  with  little  interference,  their 
noble  devotion  to  fame  and  to  country.” 

General  Worth  gives  the  following  graphic  account  of  this  battle  : 

“ Sir  : Under  the  inconvenient  circumstances  incident  to  recent 
battle,  and  derangement  from  loss  of  commanders  — staff,  commis- 
sioned, and  non-commissioned — and  amid  the  active  scenes  resulting 
therefrom,  I proceed  to  make  a report,  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of 
the  general-in-chief,  of  the  battle  of  El  Molino  del  Rey,  fought  and 
won  on  the  8th  of  September,  1847,  by  the  first  division,  reinforced 
as  follows : 

“ 1st.  Three  squadrons  of  dragoons  and  one  company  of  mounted 
riflemen  — two  hundred  and  seventy  men,  under  Major  Sumner, 
2d  dragoons. 

“ 2d.  Three  pieces  of  field  artillery,  under  Captain  Drum. 

“ 3d.  Two  battering  guns,  (twenty-four-pounders,)  under  Cap- 
tain Huger. 

“ 4th.  Cadwalader’s  brigade,  seven  hundred  and  eighty-four 
strong,  consisting  of  the  voltigeur  regiment,  the  11th  and  14th  regi- 
ments of  infantry. 

“ Having,  in  the  course  of  the  7th,  accompanied  the  general-in- 
chief on  a reconnoissance  of  the  formidable  dispositions  of  the 
enemy  near  and  around  the  castle  of  Chapultepec,  they  were  found 
to  exhibit  an  extended  line  of  cavalry  and  infantry,  sustained  by  a 
field-battery  of  four  guns,  occupying  directly,  or  sustaining  a system 
of  defences  collateral  to  the  castle  and  summit.  This  examination 
gave  fair  observation  of  the  configuration  of  the  grounds  and  the 
extent  of  the  enemy’s  force  ; but,  as  appeared  in  the  sequel,  an  in- 
adequate idea  of  the  nature  of  his  defences,  they -being  skilfully 
masked. 

“The  general-in-chief  ordered  that  my  division,  reinforced  as  be- 
fore mentioned,  should  attack  and  carry  those  lines  and  defences, 
capture  the  enemy’s  artillery,  destroy  the  machinery  and  material 
supposed  to  be  in  the  foundry,  (El  Molino  del  Rey,)  but  limiting 

10* 


114 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


the  operations  to  that  extent ; after  which  my  command  was  to  be 
immediately  withdrawn  to  its  position  in  the  village  of  Tacubaya. 

“ A close  and  daring  reconnoissance,  by  Captain  Mason,  of  the 
engineers,  made  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  represented  the  enemy’s 
lines  collateral  to  Chapultepec  to  be  as  follows : His  left  rested  upon 
and  occupied  a group  of  strong  stone  buildings,  called  El  Molino 
del  Rey,  adjoining  the  grove  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  of  Chapultepec, 
and  directly  under  the  guns  of  the  castle  which  crowns  its  summit. 
The  right  of  his  line  rested  upon  another  stone  building,  called  Casa 
Mata,  situated  at  the  foot  of  the  ridge  that  slopes  gradually  from  the 
heights  above  the  village  of  Tacubaya  to  the  plain  below.  Midway 
between  these  buildings  was  the  enemy’s  field-battery,  and  his  in- 
fantry forces  were  disposed  on  either  side  to  support  it.  This  re- 
connoissance was  verified  by  Captain  Mason  and  Colonel  Duncan 
on  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day.  The  result  indicated  that  the 
centre  was  the  weak  point  of  the  enemy’s  position,  and  that  his 
flanks  were  the  strong  points,  his  left  flank  being  the  stronger. 

“ As  the  enemy’s  system  of  defence  was  connected  with  the  hill 
and  castle  of  Chapultepec,  and  as  my  operations  were  limited  to  a 
specific  object,  it  became  necessary  to  isolate  the  work  to  be  accom- 
plished from  the  castk  of  Chapultepec  and  its  immediate  defences. 
To  effect  this  object  the  following  dispositions  were  ordered : Colonel 
Garland’s  brigade  to  take  position  on  the  right,  strengthened  by  two 
pieces  of  Captain  Drum’s  battery,  to  look  to  El  Molino  del  Rey  as 
well  as  any  support  of  this  position  from  Chapultepec ; and  also 
within  sustaining  distance  of  the  assaulting  party  and  the  battering 
guns,  which,  under  Captain  Huger,  were  placed  on  the  ridge,  five 
or  six  hundred  yards  from  El  Molino  del  Rey,  to  batter  and  loosen 
this  position  from  Chapultepec.  An  assaulting  party  of  five  hun- 
dred picked  men  and  officers,  under  command  of  Brevet-Major 
George  Wright,  8th  infantry,  was  also  posted  on  the  ridge  to  the 
left  of  the  battering  guns,  to  force  the  enemy’s  centre.  The  2d 
(Clark’s)  brigade,  the  command  of  which  devolved  on  Colonel 
McIntosh,  (Colonel  Clark  being  sick,)  with  Duncan’s  battery,  was 
to  take  post  still  further  up  the  ridge,  opposite  the  enemy’s  right,  to 
look  to  our  left  flank  to  sustain  the  assaulting  column  if  necessary, 
or  to  discomfit  the  enemy,  (the  ground  being  favourable,)  as  circum- 
stances might  require.  Cadwalader’s  brigade  was  held  in  reserve, 
in  a position  on  the  ridge,  between  the  battering  guns  and  MeIn- 


FORTRESS  OF  CHAPULTEPEC. 


BATTLE  OF  MOLINO  DEL  KEY. 


115  • 


tosh’s  brigade,  and  in  easy  support  of  either.  The  cavalry,  under 
Major  Sumner,  to  envelope  our  extreme  left,  and  be  governed  by 
circumstances  — to  repel  or  attack,  as  the  commander’s  judgment 
might  suggest.  The  troops  to  be  put  in  position  under  cover  of  the 
night,  and  the  work  to  begin  as  soon  as  the  heavy  metal  could  be 
properly  directed.  Colonel  Duncan  was  charged  with  the  general 
disposition  of  the  artillery.  Accordingly,  at  3 o’clock  in  the  morn- 
ing of  the  8th,  the  several  columns  were  put  in  motion,  on  as  many 
different  routes ; and,  when  the  gray  of  the  morning  enabled  them 
to  be  seen,  they  were  as  accurately  in  position  as  if  posted  in  mid- 
day for  review.  The  early  dawn  was  the  moment  appointed  for  the 
attack,  which  was  announced  to  our  troops  by  the  opening  of  Hu- 
ger’s  guns  on  El  Molino  del  Rey,  upon  which  they  continued  to 
play  actively  until  this  point  of  the  enemy’s  line  became  sensibly 
shaken,  when  the  assaulting  party,  commanded  by  Wright,  and 
guided  by  that  accomplished  officer.  Captain  Mason,  of  the  engi- 
neers, assisted  by  Lieutenant  Foster,  dashed  gallantly  forward  to  the 
assault.  Unshaken  by  the  galling  fire  of  musketry  and  canister 
that  was  showered  upon  them,  on  they  rushed,  driving  infantry  and 
artillery-men  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet.  The  enemy’s  field-bat- 
tery was  taken,  and  his  own  guns  were  trailed  upon  his  retreating 
masses ; before,  however,  they  could  be  discharged,  perceiving  that 
he  had  been  dispossessed  of  this  strong  position  by  comparatively  a 
handful  of  men,  he  made  a desperate  effort  to  regain  it.  Accord- 
ingly, his  retiring  forces  rallied  and  formed  with  this  object.  Aided 
by  the  infantry,  which  covered  the  house-tops,  (within  reach  of 
which  the  battery  had  been  moved  during  the  night,)  the  enemy’s 
whole  line  opened  upon  the  assaulting  party  a terrific  fire  of  mus- 
ketry, which  struck  down  eleven  out  of  the  fourteen  officers  that 
composed  the  command,  and  non-commissioned  officers  and  men  in 
proportion;  including  among  the  officers  Brevet-Major  Wright,  the 
commander ; Captain  Mason  and  Lieutenant  Foster,  engineers  ; all 
severely  wounded. 

“ This  severe  shock  staggered  for  a moment  that  gallant  band 
The  light  battalion,  held  to  cover  Huger’s  battery,  under  Captain 
E.  Kirby  Smith,  (Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith  being  sick,)  and  the 
right  wing  of  Cadwalader’s  brigade,  were  promptly  ordered  forward 
to  support,  which  order  was  executed  in  the  most  gallant  style ; the 
enemy  was  again  routed,  and  this  point  of  his  line  carried,  and  fully 


• 116  MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 

possessed  by  our  troops.  In  the  mean  time  Garland’s  (1st)  brigade, 
ably  sustained  by  Captain  Drum’s  artillery,  assaulted  the  enemy’s 
left,  and,  after  an  obstinate  and  very  severe  contest,  drove  him  from 
this  apparently  impregnable  position,  immediately  under  the  guns 
of  the  castle  of  Chapultepec.  Drum’s  section,  and  the  battering 
guns  under  Captain  Huger,  advanced  to  the  enemy’s  position,  and 
the  captured  guns  of  the  enemy  were  now  opened  on  his  retreating 
forces,  on  which  they  continued  to  fire  until  beyond  their  reach. 
While  this  work  was  in  progress  of  accomplishment  by  our  centre 
and  right,  our  troops  on  the  left  were  not  idle.  Duncan’s  battery 
opened  on  the  right  of  the  enemy’s  line,  up  to  this  time  engaged ; 
and  the  2d  brigade,  under  Colonel  McIntosh,  was  now  ordered  to 
assault  the  extreme  right  of  the  enemy’s  line.  The  direction  of  this 
brigade  soon  caused  it  to  mask  Duncan’s  battery,  the  fire  of  which, 
for  the  moment,  was  discontinued  ; and  the  brigade  moved  steadily 
on  to  the  assault  of  Casa  Mata,  which,  instead  of  an  ordinary  field 
entrenchment,  as  was  supposed,  proved  to  be  a strong  stone  citadel, 
surrounded  with  bastioned  entrenchments  and  impassable  ditches — 
an  old  Spanish  work,  recently  repaired  and  enlarged.  When  within 
easy  musket  range,  the  enemy  opened  a most  deadly  fire  upon  our 
advancing  troops,  which  was  kept  up,  without  intermission,  until 
our  gallant  men  reached  the  very  slope  of  the  parapet  of  the  work 
that  surrounded  the  citadel.  By  this  time  a large  proportion  of  the 
command  was  either  killed  or  wounded,  amongst  whom  were  the 
three  senior  officers  present.  Brevet  Colonel  McIntosh,  Brevet  Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Scott,  of  the  5th  infantry,  and  Major  Waite,  8th  in- 
fantry ; the  second  killed,  and  the  first  and  last  desperately  wounded. 
Still,  the  fire  from  the  citadel  was  unabated.  In  this  crisis  of  the 
attack,  the  command  was  momentarily  thrown  into  disorder,  and  fell 
back  on  the  left  of  Duncan’s  battery,  where  they  rallied.  As  the  2d 
brigade  moved  to  the  assault,  a very  large  cavalry  and  infantry  force 
was  discovered  approaching  rapidly  upon  our  left  flank,  to  reinforce 
the  enemy’s  right.  As  soon  as  Duncan’s  battery  was  masked,  as 
before  mentioned,  supported  by  Andrews’s  voltigeurs,  of  Cadwala- 
der’s  brigade,  it  moved  promptly  to  the  extreme  left  of  our  line  to 
check  the  threatened  assault  on  this  point.  The  enemy’s  cavalry 
came  rapidly  within  canister  range,  when  the  w^hole  battery  opened 
a most  effective  fire,  which  soon  broke  the  squadrons  and  drove  them 
back  in  disorder.  During  this  fire  upon  the  enemy’s  cavalry.  Major 


BATTLE  OF  MOLTNO  DEL  KEY. 


117 


Sumner’s  command  moved  to  the  front,  and  changed  direction  in 
admirable  order,  under  a most  appalling  fire  from  the  Casa  Mata. 
This  movement  enabled  his  command  to  cross  the  ravine  imme- 
diately on  the  left  of  Duncan’s  battery,  where  it  remained,  doing 
noble  service  until  the  close  of  the  action.  At  the  very  moment  the 
cavalry  were  driven  beyond  reach,  our  own  troops  drew  back  from 
before  the  Casa  Mata,  and  enabled  the  guns  of  Duncan’s  battery  to 
re-open  upon  this  position,  which,  after  a short  and  well-directed 
fire,  the  enemy  abandoned.  The  guns  of  the  battery  were  now 
turned  upon  his  retreating  columns,  and  continued  to  play  upon 
them  until  beyond  reach. 

“ He  was  now  driven  from  every  point  of  the  field,  and  his  strong 
lines,  which  had  certainly  been  defended  well,  were  in  our  posses- 
sion. In  fulfilment  of  the  instructions  of  the  general-in-chief,  the 
Casa  Mata  was  blown  up,  and  such  of  the  captured  ammunition  as 
was  useless  to  us,  as  well  as  the  cannon-moulds  found  in  El  Molino 
del  Rey,  were  destroyed.  After  which,  my  command,  under  the 
reiterated  orders  of  the  general-in-chief,  returned  to  quarters  at 
Tacubaya,  with  three  of  the  enemy’s  four  guns,  (the  fourth,  having 
been  spiked,  was  rendered  unserviceable ;)  as  also  a large  quantity 
of  small-arms,  with  gun  and  musket  ammunition,  and  exceeding 
eight  hundred  prisoners,  including  fifty-two  commissioned  officers. 

“ By  the  concurrent  testimony  of  prisoners,  the  enemy’s  force 
exceeded  fourteen  thousand  men,  commanded  by  General  Santa 
Anna  in  person.  His  total  loss,  killed,  (including  the  second  and 
third  in  command.  Generals  Valdarez  and  Leon,)  wounded,  and 
prisoners,  amounts  to  three  thousand,  exclusive  of  some  two  thou- 
sand who  deserted  after  the  rout. 

“ My  command,  reinforced  as  before  stated,  only  reached  three 
thousand  one  hundred  men  of  all  arms.  The  contest  continued  two 
hours,  and  its  severity  is  painfully  attested  by  our  heavy  loss  of 
officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and  privates,  including  in  the 
first  two  classes  some  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  service. 

••  It  will  be  seen  that  subordinate  commanders  speak  in  the  warmest 
terms  of  the  conduct  of  their  officers  and  men,  to  which  I beg  leave 
to  add  my  cordial  testimony.  There  can  be  no  higher  exhibition  of 
courage,  constancy,  and  devotion  to  duty  and  to  country. 

“ These  operations,  occurring  under  the  observation  of  the  general- 
in-chief,  give  assurance  that  justice  will  be  done  to  the  noble  officers 


118 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


and  soldiers  whose  valour  achieved  this  glorious  but  dear-bought 
victory.  Commending  the  gallant  dead,  the  wounded,  and  the  few 
unscathed,  to  the  respectful  memory  of  their  countrymen,  and  the 
rewards  due  to  valour  and  conduct,  I present  the  names  of  those 
especially  noticed  by  subordinate  commanders,  uniting  in  all  they 
have  said,  and  extending  the  same  testimony  to  those  not  named.” 

Here  follows  a catalogue  of  the  officers  who  particularly  distin- 
guished themselves. 

The  following  more  circumstantial  sketch  is  given  by  a partici- 
pator in  the  action  : — 

“I  have  just  returned  from  another  battle-field  — one  on  which 
the  victory  of  the  American  arms  was  complete,  and  on  which  our 
troops  contended  against  an  enemy  immensely  superior  in  number 
and  strongly  posted.  General  Worth  commenced  the  attack  at 
early  daylight,  and  in  less  than  two  hours  every  point  was  carried, 
all  the  cannon  of  the  enemy  were  in  our  possession,  an  immense 
quantity  of  ammunition  captured,  and  nearly  one  thousand  men, 
among*  them  fifty-three  officers,  taken  prisoners. 

“For  more  than  an  hour  the  battle  raged  with  a violence  not  sur- 
passed since  the  Mexican  war  commenced,  and  so  great  was  the  odds 
opposed,  that  for  some  time  the  result  was  doubtful.  The  force  of 
the  enemy  has  been  estimated  at  from  twelve  to  fifteen  thousand, 
strongly  posted  behind  breastworks,  and  to  attack  them  our  small 
force  of  scarcely  eight  thousand  was  obliged  to  approach  on  an  open 
plain  and  without  the  least  cover ; but  their  dauntless  courage  car- 
ried them  over  every  obstacle,  and  notwithstanding  the  Mexicans 
fought  with  a valour  rare  for  them,  they  were  finally  routed  from 
one  point  or  another  until  all  were  driven  and  dispersed.  The  de- 
feat was  total. 

“ But  to  gain  this  victory  our  own  loss  has  been  uncommonly 
severe ; it  has  been  purchased  with  the  blood  of  some  of  the  most 
gallant  spirits  of  the  army.  The  5th  infantry  has  suffered  the  most. 
This  regiment,  along  with  the  6th  and  8th,  was  engaged  in  the 
attack  upon  a strong  work  on  the  enemy’s  right,  and  was  opposed  to 
such  superior  numbers,  that  it  was  compelled  to  retire  along  with  the 
others.  The  celebrated  Colonel  Martin  Scott  was  killed  in  this  attack, 
along  with  Lieutenants  Burwell  and  Strong,  while  Colonel  McIn- 
tosh and  many  other  officers  were  badly  wounded.  — The  worse 
than  savage  miscreants  in  the  fort,  after  our  men  retired,  set  up  a 


BATTLE  OF  MOLING  DEL  KEY. 


119 


yell,  and  came  out  and  massacred  such  of  our  wounded  as  were 
unable  to  get  off.  In  this  way  poor  Burwell  lost  his  life.  Fully 
were  they  avenged,  however ; for  within  half  an  hour  Duncan’s 
battery,  aided  by  the  fall  of  another  of  their  works,  drove  the  das- 
tardly wretches  in  full  flight  across  the  fields.  No  one  knew  or  even 
surmised  the  strength  of  the  place  — it  was  an  old  fort,  constructed 
long  since,  and  was  one  of  the  main  defences  of  the  line  of  works.j 
On  the  enemy’s  left,  and  nearer  Chapultepec,  our  loss  was  also 
great,  although  not  as  severe.  It  was  here  that  Colonel  William 
M.  Graham,  as  brave  a spirit  as  ever  lived,  was  killed  ; Captains 
Merrill  and  Ayres  also  fell  in  this  part  of  the  field.  The  wonder 
now  is  how  any  one  could  come  out  so  safe  under  such  a terrible 
fire  as  the  enemy  poured  from  his  entire  line  of  works.  Nothing 
but  the  daring  and  impetuosity  of  our  men,  who  rushed  onward 
while  their  comrades  were  falling  thick  around  them,  gained  the 
victory — had  they  once  faltered  all  would  have  been  lost. 

“ The  broken  ground  on  the  right  of  the  enemy,  cut  up  by  deep 
ravines,  saved  many  of  Santa  Anna’s  troops  in  their  flight ; yet  as 
it  was,  our  dragoons  killed  and  captured  many  of  the  fugitives. 
Large  bodies  of  Mexican  cavalry  approached  the  scene  of  strife 
several  times,  but  they  were  driven  like  sheep  by  Duncan’s  battery. 

*•  The  Mexican  loss  has  been  even  more  severe  than  our  own. 
General  Balderas,  General  Leon,  and  many  other  officers  are  num- 
bered among  the  dead,  while  the  interior  of  their  works,  the  tops  of 
the  houses  from  which  they  fought,  and  the  ground  over  which  they 
fled,  are  strewed  with  lifeless  bodies.  Such  w^as  the  panic  that 
many  of  our  officers  say  that  a few  fresh  troops  might  have  taken 
Chapultepec  itself  almost  without  a struggle ; but  other  than  a few 
shots  fired  at  that  point  from  some  of  the  captured  cannon,  no  de- 
monstration was  made.  / 

“ After  the  battle  was  over.  General  Scott  came  out  accompanied 
by  his  staff,  and  also  by  Mr.  Trist.  The  Mexicans  at  the  time  were 
throwing  shells  at  some  of  the  wagons  that  General  Worth  had 
sent  out  to  pick  up  the  dead  and  wounded.  They  had  placed  a 
howitzer  in  position  on  Chapultepec  at  the  close  of  the  action,  and 
now  seeing  the  enemy  within  reach,  the  cow^ardly  wretches  opened 
upon  the  ambulances,  and  those  who  were  gathering  the  bodies  of 
their  wounded  and  lifeless  comrades.  On  seeing  this  wmrse  than 
savage  outrage,  one  of  our  officers,  with  a sarcastic  expression  of 


120 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


countenance,  asked  whether  Mr.  Trist  had  any  new  peace  proposi- 
tions in  his  pocket.  Mackintosh  did  not  come  out  after  the  battle 
to  gain  more  time  for  his  friend  Santa  Anna,  nor  warm  our  fresh 
intelligence  of  the  strength  and  movements  of  our  army,  in  order 
that  he  might  be  of  service  to  the  Mexicans  by  communicating  it. 

“ The  Mexican  prisoners  say  that  Santa  Anna  himself  was  on  the 
ground  in  the  rear  of  their  works,  but  left  at  the  commencement  of 
the  rout.  They  admit  that  their  entire  force  was  fifteen  thousand ; 
it  is  certain  that  including  killed,  wounded,  prisoners  and  dispersed* 
their  loss  has  been  near  five  thousand.  Many  of  them  were  regu- 
lars, the  11th  and  12th  infantry  regiments  suflering  most.  The 
commander  of  the  latter.  Colonel  Tenorio,  is  a prisoner  in  our  hands ; 
some  fourteen  officers  belonging  to  the  former  are  also  prisoners, 
but  the  commander,  General  Perez,  escaped. 

“ The  foundry,  in  which  several  moulds  for  casting  cannon  and 
other  apparatus  were  found,  was  entirely  demolished;  and,  after 
ascertaining  this.  General  Scott,  not  wishing  to  hold  the  position, 
ordered  all  the  forces  to  retire.” 

The  13th  was  signalized  by  the  storming  of  Chapultepec,  of 
which  Worth  gives  the  following  account,  confined  principally  to 
his  own  operations : — 

“ On  the  evening  of  the  12th  instant,  having  the  verbal  orders 
of  the  general-in-chief  to  designate  a storming  party,  to  aid  in  the 
assault  upon  the  castle  of  Chapultepec,  a command  from  my  divi- 
sion, with  scaling  ladders,  was  organized,  consisting  of  ten  officers— 
Captain  McKenzie,  2d  artillery,  commanding;  and  two  hundred 
and  sixty  men,  volunteers,  drawn  in  due  proportion  from  the  several 
corps.  At  five  A.  M.,  on  the  13th,  these  detachments  assembled 
at  the  appointed  place,  and  proceeded  to  their  duty.  For  the  man- 
ner in  which  this  was  executed,  I refer  to  the  report,  herewith,  of 
the  gallant  commander. 

“ At  the  same  time,  I had  the  orders  of  the  General-in-chief  to 
take  position  with  the  remainder  of  my  division  and  support  the 
operations  of  General  Pillow\  This  position  was  taken  at  the  time 
and  place  appointed,  and  that  general  informed  of  my  preparations 
and  of  my  readiness  to  support  him.  Lieutenant  Semmes  (navy), 
one  of  my  aids-de-camp,  whom  I despatched  with  this  intelligence, 
found  General  Pillow,  soon  after  the  assault  had  commenced, 
wounded,  at  the  foot  of  the  hill.  General  Pillow  desired  him  to 


’ :V-»-'  ■■■•  ■'•vV.;.  ;:■ 


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# 


CITY  OF  MEXICO,  FROM  THE  CONVENT  OF  SAN  COSME. 


CHAPULTEPEC  CARRIED.  121 

return  to  me,  with  a request  ‘ to  bring  up  my  whole  division,  and 
make  great  haste,  or,  he  feared,  I would  be  too  late.’  The  2d 
(Clark’s)  brigade  was  ordered  instantly  to  advance.  It  did  so, 
passed  on,  mingled  with  the  advancing  forces,  and  entered,  with 
them,  peUmell  into  the  assaulted  work.  At  the  same  instant,  the 
1st  (Garland’s)  brigade,  the  light  battalion,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel 
C.  F.  Smith,  and  Duncan’s  battery,  were  put  in  motion,  around  the 
north-eastern  base  of  the  hill  of  Chapultepec,  and  moved,  in  opera- 
tion, upon  the  San  Cosme  route  and  aqueduct.  After  advancing 
some  four  hundred  yards,  we  came  to  a battery  which  had  been 
assailed  by  a portion  of  Magruder’s  field  guns  — particularly  the 
section  under  the  gallant  Lieutenant  Jackson,  who,  although  he  had 
lost  most  of  his  horses,  and  many  of  his  men,  continued  chivalrously 
at  his  post,  combatting  with  noble  courage.  A portion  of  Garland’s 
brigade,  which  had  been  previously  deployed  in  the  field  to  the  left, 
now  came  up  with,  and  defeated  the  enemy’s  right ; the  enemy’s 
left  extending  in  the  direction  of  the  Taciibaya  aqueduct,  on  which 
Quitman’s  division  was  battling  and  advancing.  Pursuing  the 
San  Cosme  road,  we  discovered  an  arched  passage  through  the 
aqueduct,  and  a cross  route  practicable  for  artillery,  for  a considerable 
distance  over  the  meadow^s,  in  the  direction  of  the  battery,  and  left 
of  the  enemy’s  line,  which  was  galling  and  endeavouring  to  check 
Quitman’s  advance.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Duncan,  with  a section 
of  his  battery,  covered  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Smith’s  battalion,  was 
turned  off  upon  this  route,  and  advancing  to  within  four  hundred 
yards  of  the  enemy’s  lines,  (which  was  as  far  as  the  nature  of  the 
ground  wbuld  permit,)  opened  an  effective  fire — first  upon  the  bat- 
tery, and  then  upon  the  retreating  troops,  great  numbers  of  whom 
were  cut  down.  Having  thus  aided  the  advance,  and  cleared  the 
front  (being  favourably  situated)  of  my  gallant  friend  Quitman,  as 
far  as  it  was  in  my  power,  this  portion  of  the  command  was  with- 
drawn. The  2d  brigade  now  coming  up,  the  advance  upon  the 
main  road  was  continued.  We  soon  came  up  with  and  carried  a 
second  battery,  and  afterwards  a third,  both  of  them  strong  works 
and  enfilading  the  road.  This  brought  us  to  the  Campo  Santo,  or 
English  burying-ground,  near  which  the  road  and  aqueduct  bend  to 
the  right.  At  this  point  the  general-in-chief  came  up,  with  his  staff, 
and  instructed  me  to  press  on,  carrying  the  garita  San  Cosme,  and, 
if  possible,  penetrate  to  the  Alameda,  Shortly  after,  Brigadier  Gen- 
ii F 


122 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


eral  Cadwalader  reported  to  me,  by  the  order  of  the  general-in- 
chief ; and,  later,  between  8 and  9 P.  M.,  Colonel  Riley,  with  the 
2d  brigade,  2d  division.  The  former  was  left  in  position  at  the 
Campo  Santo,  to  hold  that  point,  and  look  to  the  left  and  rear.  The 
latter,  coming  up  after  the  firing  had  ceased,  was  halted  in  rear  of 
the  1st  division,  and  entered  the  city  with  it  on  the  morning  of 
the  14th. 

“ Here  we  came  in  front  of  another  battery,  beyond  which,  distant 
some  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  and  sustaining  it,  was  the  last 
defence,  or  the  garita  of  San  Cosme.  The  approach  to  these  two 
defences  was  in  a right  line,  and  the  whole  space  was  literally  swept 
by  grape,  canister,  and  shells,  from  a heavy  gun  and  howitzer ; 
added  to  which,  severe  fires  of  musketry  were  delivered  from  the 
tops  of  the  adjacent  houses  and  churches.  It  hence  became  neces- 
sary to  vary  our  mode  of  operations.  Garland’s  brigade  was  thrown 
to  the  right,  within  and  masked  by  the  aqueduct,  and  instructed  to 
dislodge  the  ifenemy  from  the  buildings  in  his  front,  and  endeavour 
to  reach  and  turn  the  left  of  the  garita,  taking  advantage  of  such 
cover  as  might  offer,  to  enable  him  to  effect  his  objects.  Clark’s 
brigade  was,  at  the  same  time,  ordered  to  take  the  buildings  on  the 
left  of  the  road,  and,  by  the  use  of  bars  and  picks,  burrow  through 
from  house  to  house,  and,  in  like  manner,  carry  the  right  of  the 
garita. 

“ While  these  orders  were  being  executed,  a mountain  howitzer 
was  placed  on  the  top  of  a commanding  building  on  the  left,  and 
another  on  the  church  of  San  Cosme,  on  the  right,  both  of  which 
opened  with  admirable  effect.  The  work  of  the  troops  was  tedious, 
and  necessarily  slow,  but  was  greatly  favoured  by  the  fire  of  the 
howitzers.  Finally,  at  5 o’clock  both  columns  had  reached  their 
positions,  and  it  then  became  necessary,  at  all  hazards,  to  advance  a 
piece  of  artillery  to  the  evacuated  battery  of  the  enemy  intermediate 
between  us  and  the  garita.  Lieutenant  Hunt  was  ordered  to  exe- 
cute this  duty,  which  he  did  in  the  highest  possible  style  of  gallan- 
try ; equally  sustained  by  his  veteran  troops,  with  the  loss  of  one 
killed  and  four  wounded,  out  of  nine  men,  although  the  piece  moved 
at  full  speed  over  a distance  of  only  one  hundred  and  fifty  yards ; 
reaching  the  breastwork,  he  came  muzzle  to  muzzle  with  the 
enemy.  It  has  never  been  my  fortune  to  witness  a more  brilliant 
exhibition  of  courage  and  conduct.  The  moment  had  now  arrived 


AMERICANS  ENTER  THE  CAPITAL. 


123 


for  the  final  and  combined  attack  upon  the  last  stronghold  of  the 
enemy  in  my  quarter:  it  was  made,  by  our  men  springing,  as  if  by 
magic,  to  the  tops  of  the  houses  into  which  they  had  patiently  and 
quietly  made  their  way  by  the  bar  and  pick,  and  to  the  utter  sur- 
prise and  consternation  of  the  enemy,  opening  upon  him,  within 
easy  range,  a destructive  fire  of  musketry.  A single  discharge,  in 
which  many  of  his  gunners  were  killed  at  their  pieces,  was  suffi- 
cient to  drive  him  in  confusion  from  the  breastwork ; when  a pro- 
longed shout  from  our  brave  fellows  announced  that  we  were  in 
possession  of  the  garita  of  San  Cosine,  and  already  in  the  city  of 
Mexico. 

“At  this  point  we  again  had  the  pleasure  to  meet  the  President- 
general-in-chief,  took  one  of  his  aids-de-camp.  Captain  Jose  M. 
Castanary,  and  several  superior  officers,  with  many  other  equally 
unimportant  prisoners  ; and  one  of  my  most  gallant  and  leading  sub- 
alterns had  the  gratification  of  eating  his  excellency’s  well-prepared 
supper. 

“ The  remainder  of  the  division  was  now  marched  within  the 
city  gate,  and  Captain  Huger,  of  the  ordnance,  who  had  been  di- 
rected by  the  general-in-chief  to  report  to  me,  with  heavy  guns, 
some  time  before,  was  desired  to  advance  a twenty-four-pounder  and 
a ten-inch  mortar,  place  them  in  position  at  the  garita,  obtain  the 
distance,  and  open  a few  shot  and  shell  upon  the  grand  plaza  and 
palace,  assumed  to  be  about  sixteen  hundred  yards  distant.  This 
battery  opened  at  nine  o’clock — three  shot  being  fired  from  the  gun 
and  five  from  the  mortar.  They  told  with  admirable  effect,  as  at 
one  o’clock  at  night  a commission  from  the  municipality  came  to 
my  advanced  post  with  a flag,  announcing  that  immediately  after 
the  heavy  guns  opened  the  government  and  army  commenced 
evacuating  the  city,  and  that  the  commission  was  deputed  to  confer 
with  the  general-in-chief,  to  whose  head-quarters  it  was  passed 
under  Assistant  Adjutant-General  Mackali. 

“ At  five,  A.  M.,  on  the  14th,  my  troops  and  heavy  guns  advanced 
into  the  city,  and  occupied  the  Alameda,  to  the  point  where  it  fronts 
the  palace,  and  there  halted  at  six  o’clock,  the  general-in-chief 
having  instructed  me  to  take  a position  and  await  his  further  orders. 
Shortly  after,  a straggling  assassin-like  fire  commenced  from  the 
house-tops,  which  continued,  in  various  parts  of  the  city,  tnrough 
the  day,  causing  us  some  loss.  The  first  shot  fired  at  a group  of 


124 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  J.  WORTH. 


officers  at  the  head  of  my  column,  struck  down  Colonel  Garland, 
badly  wounded ; and  later  in  the  day.  Lieutenant  Sydney  Smith 
was  shot  down  mortally  wounded — since  dead. 

“ The  free  use  of  heavy  battering  guns  upon  every  building  from 
which  fire  proceeded,  together  with  musketry  from  some  of  our 
men  thrown  out  as  skirmishers,  soon  quelled  these  hidden  and  das- 
tardly enemies.  About  the  time  of  our  entrance  into  the  city,  the 
convicts  in  the  different  prisons,  to  the  number  of  some  thirty 
thousand  men,  were  liberated  by  order  of  the  flying  government, 
armed  and  distributed  in  the  most  advantageous  houses,  including 
the  churches,  convents,  and  even  the  hospitals,  for  the  purpose  of 
exciting,  if  possible,  the  entire  population  of  the  city  to  revolt,  and 
effect,  by  secret  and  dastardly  means,  what  the  whole  Mexican  army 
had  been  unable  to  accomplish.  This  was  no  time  for  half-way 
measures  ; and  if  many  innocent  persons  suffered  incidentally  under 
the  just  infliction  of  punishment  we  found  it  necessary  to  bestow 
on  these  miscreants  from  the  jails,  the  responsibility  should  rest 
upon ‘the  barbarous  and  vindictive  chief  who  imposed  upon  us  the 
necessity. 

“ Officers  and  men  of  every  corps  carried  themselves  with  wonted 
gallantry  and  conduct.  Be  pleased  to  refer  to  reports  of  subordi- 
nate commanders.  Major  Sumner  reported  to  me  with  his  cavalry 
on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  was  actively  on  service  and  under  fire, 
and  was  advanced  upon  the  San  Cosme  road,  to  be  at  hand  to  pur- 
sue the  enemy.  Towards  evening,  the  general-in-chief  ordered  his 
command  to  re-occupy  Tacubaya.  The  commander  and  his  excel- 
lent corps  rendered  every  service  which  the  incidents  of  the  day 
offered  to  their  ready  acceptance. 

“ I am  most  happy  to  have  occasion  to  submit  but  a moderate  list 
of  casualties,  compared  with  recent  reports ; two  officers  killed,  ten 
wounded,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  rank  and  file  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  of  which  full  returns  are  forwarded  here- 
with ; as  also  a sketch  of  the  ground,  &c.,  covered  by  the  opera- 
tions of  my  command. 

“All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  to  the  general-in-chief, 
himself  a close  observer  of  the  incidents  of  the  day.” 

Such  has  been  the  course  of  General  Worth  up  to  this  time.  He 
now  ranks  among  the  ablest  and  most  successful  of  American  offi- 
cers. 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


Brigadier-General  John  E.  Wool  was  born  in  Orange  county, 
New  York.  His  family  were  Whigs  of  the  Revolution.  Losing 
his  father  at  an  early  age,  he  was  taken  by  his  grandfather,  a farmer 
in  Rensselaer  county,  to  be  brought  up ; and,  consulting  the  bent  of 
his  disposition,  he  placed  him  when  a boy  as  a clerk  in  a store  in 
the  city  of  Troy.  By  attention,  industry,  and  perseverance,  he  be- 
came in  a few  years  a merchant,  and  in  due  time  he  would  have 
reached,  in  that  capacity,  the  wealth  and  distinction  that  always 
follow  energy,  perseverance,  and  high  honour ; but  a total  loss  of  his 
property  by  fire  induced  him  to  turn  his  attention  to  some  other 
pursuit — one  more  congenial  to  his  own  mind.  The  war  with  Eng- 
land breaking  out  about  this  time,  Wool  was  offered,  and  accepted 
a commission  as  captain  in  the  13th  regiment  of  United  States’  in- 
fantry, and  at  once  entered  that  career,  in  which  he  has  lately  be- 
come so  distinguished. 

Wool  was  early  thrown  upon  his  own  resources,  for  the  family 
from  whence  he  sprung  were  poor  but  true  and  honest  patriots  of 
the  Revolution ; he  was,  in  consequence,  the  founder  of  his  own 
fortunes,  and  has  literally  fought  his  way  to  military  distinction. 

His  commission  as  captain  bears  date,  April,  1812.  Immediately 
after  its  receipt,  he  commenced  raising  a company  in  Troy,  and 
having  done  so,  he  made  his  military  debut  at  the  battle  of  Glueens- 
town  Heights.  Previous  to  this  memorable  action,  our  army  had 
suffered  so  many  reverses  and  defeats,  as  to  cast  upon  our  officers 
and  troops  the  stigma  of  cowardice  and  misconduct ; it  was  there- 
fore necessary  that  some  brilliant  effort  should  be  made,  in  order  to 
redeem  their  character,  and  to  raise  throughout  the  United  States  a 
proper  spirit  for  carrying  on  the  war. 

The  first  and  most  brilliant  effort  was  made  at  Queenstown  Heights, 
11*  (125) 


126 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


a formidable  post,  fortified  and  held  by  a part  of  the  British  army. 
This  place  Major-General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  who  commanded 
the  militia  of  the  state  of  New  York  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  and 
who  had  established  his  quarters  at  Lewistown,  determined  to  storm ; 
and  accordingly,  a detachment  of  six  hundred  men,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Chrystie, 
were  despatched  on  this  hazardous  service.  In  this  detachment 
were  three  companies  of  the  13th,  commanded  by  Captains  Wool, 
Malcolm,  and  Armstrong.  On  Captain  Wool  the  command  of 
these  devolved,  and  never  did  either  officers  or  soldiers  conduct 
themselves  so  gallantly  under  such  trying  circumstances.  A po- 
sition of  extraordinary  strength  was  about  to  be  attacked  by  a band 
of  less  than  three  hundred  men.  The  moment  they  reached 
the  Canadian  side  of  the  river  they  encountered  a tremendous 
fire  from  the  enemy,  so  deadly  in  effect,  that  nearly  every  officer, 
and  most  of  the  soldiers  in  Captain  Wool’s  command  were  either 
killed  or  wounded.  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  badly  wounded, 
and  was  fast  sinking  from  loss  of  blood,  when  Captain  Wool,  al- 
though himself  wounded  in  both  thighs,  sought  him  and  requested 
permission  to  continue  the  assault.  The  Colonel,  at  first  unwilling 
to  entrust  the  fate  of  the  affair  to  so  young  an  officer,  and  who  was 
for  the  first  time  on  the  field,  reluctantly  consented.  The  assault 
was  renewed  with  vigour  by  Wool  and  his  gallant  little  band  ; they 
climbed  the  heights  and  drove  the  British  from  their  batteries.  The 
British,  receiving  a reinforcement  under  General  Brock,  the  battle 
was  renewed.  Captain  Wool,  rallying  his  forces  by  a desperate 
effort,  once  more  charged  the  British,  reinforced  though  they  were, 
and  drove  them  a second  time  from  the  heights.  General  Brock 
was  slain : seeing  this,  the  British,  panic-stricken,  abandoned  their 
position  and  fled,  leaving  the  Americans  the  victors  of  the  field. 

For  his  gallant  conduct  at  Queenstown,  Wool  was  promoted  to 
the  rank  of  Major  in  the  29th  regiment,  and  we  find  him  volunteer- 
ing his  services  wherever  and  whenever  duty  and  danger  led. 

After  this  engagement.  Major  Wool  continued  actively  engaged 
with  the  army  until  the  great  battle  of  Plattsburg,  [September,  1814,] 
in  which  he  again  distinguished  himself.  The  following  report  of 
the  American  general,  Macomb,  is  a vivid  description  of  the  dangers 
of  that  glorious  event : — 

“I  have  the  honour  to  communicate,  for  the  information  of  th<% 


BATTLE  OF  PLATTSBURG. 


127 


war  department,  the  particulars  of  the  advance  of  the  enemy  into 
the  territory  of  the  United  States,  the  circumstances  attending  the 
siege  of  Plattsburg,  and  the  defence  of  the  posts  intrusted  to  my 
charge. 

“ The  governor-general  of  the  Canadas,  Sir  George  Prevost, 
having  collected  all  the  disposable  force  in  Lower  Canada,  with  a 
view  of  conquering  the  country  as  far  as  Crown  Point  and  Ticon- 
deroga,  entered  the  territories  of  the  United  States  on  the  1st  of  the 
month,  and  occupied  the  village  of  Champlain  ; there  avowed  his 
intentions,  and  issued  orders  and  proclamations  tending  to  dissuade 
the  people  from  their  allegiance,  and  inviting  them  to  furnish  his 
army  with  provisions.  He  immediately  began  to  impress  the 
wagons  and  teams  in  the  vicinity,  and  loaded  them  with  his  heavy 
baggage  and  stores.  From  this  I was  persuaded  he  intended  to 
attack  this  place.  I had  but  just  returned  from  the  lines,  where  I 
had  commanded  a fine  brigade,  which  was  broken  up  to  form  the 
division  under  Major-General  Izard,  ordered  to  the  westward.  Being 
senior  officer,  he  left  me  in  command ; and  except  the  four  com- 
panies of  the  6th  regiment,  I had  not  an  organized  battalion  among 
those  remaining.  The  garrison  was  composed  of  convalescents  and 
recruits  of  the  new  regiments — all  in  the  greatest  confusion,  as  well 
as  the  ordnance  and  stores,  and  the  works  in  no  state  of  defence. 

“To  create  an  emulation  and  zeal  among  the  officers  and  men  in 
completing  the  works,  I divided  them  into  detachments,  and  placed 
them  near  the  several  forts ; declaring  in  orders,  that  each  detach- 
ment was  the  garrison  of  its  own  work,  and  bound  to  defend  it  to 
the  last  extremity. 

“ The  enemy  advanced  cautiously  and  by  short  marches,  and  our 
soldiers  worked  day  and  night ; so  that  by  the  time  he  made  his  ap- 
pearance before  the  place,  we  were  prepared  to  receive  him. 

“General  Izard  named  the  principal  work  Fort  Moreau,  and,  to 
remind  the  troops  of  the  actions  of  their  brave  countrymen,  I called 
the  redoubt  on  the  right  Fort  Brown,  and  that  on  the  left  Fort  Scott. 
Besides  these  three  works  we  have  two  block-houses  strongly 
fortified. 

“ Finding,  on  examining  the  returns  of  the  garrison,  that  our  force 
did  not  exceed  fifteen  hundred  effective  men  for  duty,  and  well  in- 
formed that  the  enemy  had  as  many  thousands,  I called  on  General 
Moor  of  the  New  York  militia,  and  arranged  with  him  plans  for 

jr  * 


128 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


bringing  forth  the  militia,  en  masse.  The  inhabitants  of  the  village 
fled  with  their  families  and  effects,  except  a few  worthy  citizens  and 
some  boys,  who  formed  themselves  into  a party,  received  rifles,  and 
were  exceedingly  useful..  By  the  fourth  of  the  month  General 
Mooers  collected  about  seven  hundred  militia,  and  advanced  seven 
miles  on  the  Beckmantown  road,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy, 
and  to  skirmish  with  him  as  he  advanced  : also  to  obstruct  the  roads 
with  fallen  trees,  and  to  break  up  the  bridges. 

“ On  the  lake  road  to  Dead  creek  bridge,  I posted  two  hundred 
men,  under  Captain  Sproul  of  the  13th  regiment,  with  orders  to 
abattis  the  woods,  to  place  obstructions  in  the  road,  and  to  fortify 
himself ; to  this  party  I added  two  field-pieces.  In  advance  of  this 
position  was  Lieutenant-Colonel  Appling  with  one  hundred  and  ten 
riflemen,  watching  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  and  procuring  in- 
telligence, It  was  ascertained,  that  before  daylight  on  the  6th,  the 
enemy  would  advance  in  two  columns  on  the  two  roads  before-men- 
tioned, dividing'  at  Sampson’s,  a little  below  Chazy  village.  The 
column  on  the  Beckmantown  road  proceeded  most  rapidly;  the 
militia  skirmished  with  his  advanced  parties,  and,  except  a few 
brave  men,  fell  back  most  pfecipitately  in  the  greatest  disorder,  not- 
withstanding the  British  troops  did  not  deign  to  fire  on  them,  except 
by  their  flankers  and  advanced  patroles.  The  night  previous  I or- 
dered Major  Wool  to  advance  with  a detachment  of  two  hundred 
and  fifty  men  to  support  the  militia,  and  set  them  an  example  of 
firmness.  Also  Captain  Leonard,  of  the  light  artillery,  was  directed 
to  proceed  with  two  pieces  to  be  on  the  ground  before  day,  yet  he 
did  not  make  his  appearance  until  eight  o’clock,  when  the  enemy 
had  approached  within  two  miles  of  the  village.  With  his  conduct, 
theiefore,  I am  not  well  pleased.  Major  Wool,  with  his  party,  dis- 
puted the  road  with  great  obstinacy,  but  the  militia  could  not  be  pre- 
vailed upon  to  stand,  notwithstanding  the  exertions  of  their  general 
and  staff  officers ; although  the  fields  were  divided  by  strong  stone 
walls,  and  they  were  told  that  the  enemy  could  not  possibly  cut  them 
off.  The  state  dragoons  of  New  York  wear  red  coats,  and  they 
being  on  the  heights  to  watch  the  enemy,  gave  constant  alarm  to 
the  militia,  who  mistook  them  for  the  enemy,  and  feared  his  getting 
in  their  rear.  Finding  the  enemy’s  columns  had  penetrated  within 
a mile  of  Plattsburg,  I despatched  my  aid-de-camp,  Lieutenant 
Root,  to  bring  off  the  detachment  at  Dead  creek,  and  to  inform 


BATTLE  OF  PLATTSBURG. 


129 


Lieutenant  Appling  that  I wished  him  to  fall  on  the  enemy’s  right 
flank.  The  colonel  fortunately  arrived  just  in  time  to  save  his  re- 
treat, and  to  fall  in  with  the  head  of  a column  debouching  from  the 
woods.  Here  he  poured  in  a destructive  fire  from  his  riflemen  at 
rest,  and  continued  to  annoy  the  column  until  he  formed  a junction 
with  Major  Wool.  The  field-pieces  did  considerable  execution 
among  the  enemy’s  columns.  So  undaunted,  however,  was  the 
enemy,  that  he  never  deployed  in  his  whole  march,  always  pressing 
on  in  column.  Finding  that  every  road  was  full  of  troops  crowding 
on  us  on  all  sides,  I ordered  the  field-pieces  to  retire  across  the  bridge 
and  form  a battery  for  its  protection,  and  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the 
infantry,  which  was  accordingly  done,  and  the  parties  of  Appling 
and  Wool,  as  well  as  that  of  Sproul,  retired  alternately,  keeping  up 
a brisk  fire  until  they  got  under  cover  of  the  works.  The  enemy’s 
light  troops  occupied  the  houses  near  the  bridge,  and  kept  up  a 
constant  firing  from  the  windows  and  balconies,  and  annoyed  us 
much.  I ordered  them  to  be  driven  out  with  hot  shot,  which  soon 
put  the  houses  in  flames,  and  obliged  these  sharp-shooters  to  retire. 
The  whole  day,  until  it  was  too  late  to  see,  the  enemy’s  light  troops 
endeavoured  to  drive  our  guards  from  the  bridge,  but  they  suffered 
dearly  for  their  perseverance.  An  attempt  was  also  made  to  cross 
the  upper  bridge,  where  the  mijitia  handsomely  drove  them  back. 

“ The  column  which  marched  by  the  lake  road  was  much  im- 
peded by  the  obstructions,  and  the  removal  of  the  bridge  at  Dead 
creek,  and,  as  it  passed  the  creek  and  beach,  the  galleys  kept  up  a 
lively  and  galling  fire. 

“ Our  troops  being  now  on  the  south  side  of  the  Saranac,  I di- 
rected the  planks  to  be  taken  ofT  the  bridges  and  piled  up  in  the 
form  of  breastworks  to  cover  our  parties  intended  for  disputing  the 
passage,  which  afterwards  enabled  us  to  hold  the  bridges  against 
very  superior  numbers. 

“From  the  7th  to  the  11th  the  enemy  was  employed  in  getting 
on  his  battering  train,  and  erecting  his  batteries  and  approaches,  and 
constantly  skirmishing  at  the  bridges  and  fords.  By  this  time  the 
militia  of  New  York,  and  the  volunteers  of  Vermont,  were  pouring 
in  from  all  quarters.  I advised  General  Mooers  to  keep  his  force 
along  the  Saranac  to  prevent  the  enemy’s  crossing  the  river,  and 
to  send  a strong  body  in  his  rear  to  harass  him  day  and  night,  and 
keep  him  in  continued  alarm. 


130 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


“ The  militia  behaved  with  great  spirit  after  the  first  day,  and  the 
volunteers  of  Vermont  were  exceedingly  serviceable.  Our  regular 
troops,  notwithstanding  the  skirmishing  and  repeated  endeavours 
of  the  enemy  to  cross  the  river,  kept  at  their  work  day  and  night, 
strengthening  the  defences,  and  evinced  a determination  to  hold  out 
to  the  last  extremity. 

“ It  was  reported  that  the  enemy  only  waited  the  arrival  of  his 
flotilla  to  make  a general  attack.  About  eight  in  the  evening  of  the 
11th,  as  was  expected,  the  flotilla  appeared  in' sight  round  Cumber- 
land Head,  and  at  nine  bore  down  and  engaged  our  flotilla  at  anchor 
in  the  bay  off  the  town.  At  the  same  instant  the  batteries  were 
opened  on  us,  and  continued  throwing  bomb-shells,  shrapnels,  balls, 
and  Congreve  rockets  until  sunset,  when  the  bombardment  ceased, 
every  battery  of  the  enemy  being  silenced  by  the  superiority  of  our. 
fire.  The  naval  engagement  lasted  but  two  hours,  in  full  view  of 
both  armies.  Three  efforts  were  made  by  the  enemy  to  pass  the 
river  at  the  commencement  of  the  cannonade  and  bombardment, 
with  a view  of  assaulting  the  wmrks,  and  he  had  prepared  for  that 
purpose  an  immense  number  of  scaling-ladders.  One  attempt  to 
cross  was  made  at  the  village  bridge,  and  another  at  the  upper 
bridge,  and  a third  at  a ford  about  three  miles  from  the  works.  At 
the  two  first  he  was  repulsed  by  the  regulars,  at  the  ford  by  the 
brave  volunteers  and  militia,  where  he  suffered  severely  in  killed 
and  wounded,  and  prisoners ; a considerable  body  having  crossed 
the  stream,  but  w^ere  either  killed,  taken,  or  driven  back.  The 
woods  at  this  place  were  very  favourable  to  the  operations  of  the 
militia  A whole  company  of  the  76th  regiment  was  here  de- 
stroyed, the  three  lieutenants  and  twenty-seven  men  taken  prisoners, 
the  captain  and  the  rest  killed. 

“ I cannot  forego  the  pleasure  of  here  stating  the  gallant  conduct 
of  Captain  McGlassin,  of  the  15th  regiment,  who  was  ordered  to 
ford  the  river,  and  attack  a party  constructing  a battery  on  the  right 
of  the  enemy’s  line,  within  five  hundred  yards  of  Fort  Brown,  which 
he  handsomely  executed  at  midnight,  with  fifty  men,  drove  off  the 
working-party,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  fifty,  and  defeated  a 
covering  party  of  the  same  number,  killing  one  officer  and  six  men 
in  the  charge,  and  wounding  many.^ 

“At  dusk  the  enemy  withdrew  his*  artillery  from  the  batteries, 
nnd  raised  the  siege  ; and  at  nine,  under  cover  of  the  night,  sent  off 


DEFEAT  OF  THE  BRITISH.  13] 

in  a great  hurry  all  the  baggage  he  could  find  transport  for,  and  all 
his  artillery.  At  two  the  next  morning  the  whole  army  precipi- 
lately  retreated,  leaving  the  sick  and  wounded  to  our  generosity  and 
t e governor  left  a note  with  a surgeon,  requesting  the  humane  at- 
tention  or  the  commanding  general. 

“Vast  quantities  of  provisions  were  left  behind  and  destroyed 
also  an  immense  quantity  of  bomb-shells,  cannon-balls,  grape-shot, 
ammunition,  flints,  &c.  &c.,  intrenching-tools  of  all  sorts,  also  tents 
and  marquees.  A great  deal  has  been  concealed  in  the  ponds  and 
creeks,  and  buried  m the  ground,  and  a vast  quantity  carried  ofi’  by 
the  inhabitants.  Such  was  the  precipitance  of  his  retreat,  that  he 
arrived  at  Chazy,  a distance  of  eight  miles,  before  we  discovered  he 
had  gone.  The  light  troops,  volunteers,  and  militia,  pursued  imme- 
diately on  learning  of  his  flight;  and  some  of  the  mounted  men 
made  prisoners  five  dragoons  of  the  19th  regiment,  and  several 
others  of  the  rear-guard.  A continual  fall  of  rain  and  a violent 
storm  prevented  further  pursuit.  Upwards  of  three  hundred  de- 
serters  have  come  in,  and  many  are  hourly  arrivino- 

“ We  have  buried  the  British  officers  of  the  army  and  navy  with 
the  honours  of  war,  and  shown  every  attention  and  kindness  to  those 
who  have  fallen  into  our  hands. 

“The  conduct  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers,  and  sol- 
diers of  my  command,  during  this  trying  occasion,  cannot  be  repre- 
sented in  too  high  terms ; and  I feel  it  my  duty  to  recommend  to  the 
particular  notice  of  government,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Appling  of  the 
1st  rifle  corps;  Major  Wool,  of  the  39th;  Major  Totten,  of  the  corps 
of  engineers ; Captain  Brooks,  of  the  artillery ; Captain  McGlassin, 
of  the  15th ; Lieutenants  de  Russy  and  Trescott,  of  the  corps  of 
engineers ; Lieutenants  Smyth,  Mountford,  and  Cromwell,  of  the 
artillery  ; also  my  aid-de-camp.  Lieutenant  Root,  who  have  all  dis- 
tinguished themselves  by  their  uncommon  zeal  and  activity,  and 

'■“’PI' 

“Tne  loss  of  the  enemy  in  killed,  wounded,  prisoners,  and  de- 
rundr ’d '"“l  ^ cannot  fall  short  of  twenty-five 

ton  onh;^uff^^" 

Cot!^!  ‘S  "“"‘‘“"i’  Lieutenant- 

Colonel,  [September  11th, 'ISId,]  “for  gallant  conduct  at  the  bat- 


132 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


tie  of  Plattsburg.”  Before  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  in  seve- 
ral engagements  of  less  magnitude  than  the  two  above  mentioned, 
and  in  each  displayed  that  coolness,  intrepidity,  and  careful  fore- 
thought, which  have  been  his  principal  characteristics  throughout 
life. 

At  the  expiration  of  the  war,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Wool  continued 
in  the  army,  and  in  1816  was  commissioned  Inspector-General,  with 
the  rank  of  Colonel.  In  1826,  he  was  brevetted  a Brigadier-Gene- 
ral; and,  on  the  25th  of  June,  1841,  he  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  full  Brigadier,  and  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  eastern  divi- 
sion of  the  army,  which  had  become  vacant  by  the  appointment  of 
General  Scott  as  general-in-chief,  on  the  death  of  General  Macomb. 
As  Inspector-General,  General  Wool  acted  for  twenty-five  years. 
His  duties  were  connected  with  every  department  of  the  military 
establishment  in  the  United  States  and  her  territories,  extending 
from  Eastport,  in  Maine,  to  the  gulf  of  Mexico,  and  from  the  Atlantic 
to  the  Pacific.  There  were  military  posts  established  at  Mackinac, 
Sault  St.  Marie,  Chicago,  Green  Bay,  Prairie  du  Chien,  St.  Peter’s 
on  the  Upper  Mississippi,  twenty-two  hundred  miles  from  its  mouth. 
Council  Bluffs,  some  eighteen  hundred  miles  up  the  Missouri ; and 
posts  on  the  Arkansas,  six  hundred  miles  from  its  mouth,  and  on 
the  Red  River  four  hundred  miles.  All  of  these  were  within  the 
limits  of  his  tours  of  inspection,  which  annually  embraced  a distance 
of  from  seven  to  ten  thousand  miles.  There  were  no  means  of 
reaching  these  several  posts  but  by  canoes  and  on  horseback,  with 
provisions  packed  for  a journey  of  months  through  the  wilderness. 
The  dangers,  privations,  and  hardships,  unavoidable  in  traversing 
lakes,  rivers,  and  forests  by  such  means,  often  with  Indian  guides, 
and  always  without  a shelter,  or  any  resting-place  but  the  earth  and 
a blanket,  can  hardly  be  realized  by  those  who  witness  only  the 
facilities  and  advantages  of  travelling  in  civilized  communities. 
Such  was  the  nature  of  the  duties  of  Inspector-General  prior  to  the 
settlement  of  the  states  west  of  the  lakes  and  of  the  Mississippi 
river;  yet,  notwithstanding  the  many  privations  and  hardships, 
Wool  was  at  all  times  cheerful,  prompt  and  energetic. 

General  Wool  was  also  employed  by  the  government  in  three 
special  services,  each  of  which  required  the  s^ill,  experience,  and 
address  of  an  accomplished  officer  and  gentleman.  These  were, 
1st,  the  suppression  of  the  Canadian  outbreak,  when  the  sympathy 


GENERAL  WOOL  VISITS  EUROPE.  133 

of  our  people  for  the  struggles  of  the  “ Canadian  Patriots”  nearly 
blew  the  flame  of  disturbance  into  the  conflagration  of  war.  Its 
suppression  was  therefore  a delicate  and  hazardous  service ; but  it 
was  admirably  conducted  and  completely  accomplished  by  General 
Wool.  A conflict  with  Great  Britain,  when  the  exasperation  along 
the  frontier  threatened  a total  disregard  of  boundaries,  and  the  burn- 
ings and  marches  of  British  troops,  Canadian  refugees,  and  border- 
patriots,  menaced  a catastrophe  which  neither  nation  wished,  was 
prevented  by  the  extraordinary  management  of  General  Wool,  in 
breaking  up  the  convocations,  and  prevailing  on  armed  bodies  to 
surrender  their  weapons  to  him. 

2d.  His  military  visit  to  Europe.  The  object  of  this  visit  was 
to  examine  the  state  of  military  improvement  abroad,  for  the  purpose 
of  engrafting  on  our  own  system  and  establishing  any  valuable 
changes.  His  Teception  abroad  was  as  flattering  to  the  object  as  he 
could  wish.  No  national  jealousy  closed  the  gates  of  fortresses, 
armories  or  garrisons.  King  Louis  Philippe  gave  General  Wool 
an  opportunity  that  seldom  occurs.  He  invited  him  on  the  occasion 
of  the  celebration  of  the  “ Three  Days,”  to  a grand  review,  when 
more  then  seventy  thousand  men  passed  in  battle  array  before  them. 
At  Belgium  General  Wool  witnessed  a practical  operation  in  Euro- 
pean warfare,  being  present  at  the  siege  of  Antwerp. 

3d.  General  Wool  was  placed  in  command  of  the  Cherokee 
country,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  treaty  with  those  Indi- 
ans, and  extending  the  arm  of  the  government  for  their  protection 
until  their  transportation  to  the  west.  His  conduct  in  this  affair  not 
only  met  with  the  approbation  of  the  government,  but  with  the  gra 
titude  of  the  Indians  themselves. 

Since  the  war  with  Mexico  was  declared  by  Congress  to  exist 
[May,  1846],  General  Wool  has  been  occupied,  1st:  In  the  organi- 
zation of  the  western  volunteers  ; 2d,  In  the  concentration  of  a 
division  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar ; 3d,  In  their  march  to  Saltil’o ; 
and  4th,  In  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista. 

Immediately  after  the  war  with  Mexico  was  declared.  General 
Wool  volunteered  to  take  part  in  the  campaign,  and  a few  days 
subsequent  to  the  passing  of  the  act  by  Congress,  he  was  gratified 
by  receiving  orders  to  repair  forthwith  to  Washington.  The  very 
day  he  received  these  orders  he  was  en  route  to  the  capital,  and 
having  obtained  his  instructions,  he  proceeded  to  the  west  to 
12 


134 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


organize  and  muster  into  the  service  the  twelve  months’  volunteers 
of  Ohio,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Kentucky,  Tennessee,  and  Mississippi. 
In  six  weeks  he  accomplished  the  task  assigned  him ; raising  in 
that  short  time  fourteen  and  a half  regiments,  or  over  twelve  thou- 
sand troops.  Nearly  ten  thousand  of  these  he  sent  to  reinforce 
General  Taylor ; the  remainder,  nearly  three  thousand,  he  concen- 
trated at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar,  as  a separate  division  under  his 
own  command. 

All  these  men  were  from  the  ranks  of  private  life,  and  were  with- 
out experience  in  the  art  of  war, — all  destitute  (when  General  Wool 
arrived)  of  the  means  and  supplies  of  a campaign,  and  all  anxious 
to  push  forward  to  their  respective  rendezvous  to  be  inspected,  mus- 
tered, organized,  provided  for,  and  sent  off  to  the  seat  of  war. 
General  Wool  found  himself  engaged  in  a novel,  arduous,  embar- 
rassing, and  unpleasant  duty ; in  a situation  involving  all  the  details, 
great  and  small,  unavoidable  in  mustering  an  army  into  service  ; in 
the  heat  of  June  arid  July,  and  amid  the  ten  thousand  questions, 
wahts,  and  complaints  of  the  volunteers. 

It  required  patience,  skill,  and  labour  to  prepare  an  army  from 
six  different  states,  and  at  the  same  time  to  conduct  a correspondence 
with  local  governors,  colonels,  agents  and  other  officers,  as  well  as 
with  the  military  authorities  at  Washington  ; — to  fly  from  state  to 
state,  rendezvous  to  rendezvous,  and  be  almost  simultaneously  at 
them  all,  where  volunteers  were  rushing  forward  in  all  the  confu- 
sion incident  to  their  first  appearance,  without  even  a tent  or  a 
camp-kettle.  Notwithstanding  all  this,  from  the  first  week  in  June 
to  the  third  in  July  this  perplexing  and  arduous,  but  most  important 
service,  was  performed.  He  organized  and  prepared  for  service 
three  regiments  from  Ohio,  three  from  Indiana,  four  from  Illinois, 
two  from  Kentucky  — one  of  these  a regiment  of  cavalry,  and  con- 
sequently requiring  much  more  preparation  than  infantry ; one  of 
cavalry  from  Tennessee  ; and  one  and  a half  from  Mississippi. 
How  all  this  was  done  in  so  short  a period,  considering  the  various 
difficulties  already  mentioned,  and  the  delays  in  procuring  arms, 
camp-equipage,  means  of  transportation  and  other  necessaries,  was 
a matter  of  surprise  and  admiration  to  military  men  and  public 
authorities. 

In  six  weeks  after  he  had  fulfilled  his  instructions  in  organizing 
the  volunteers,  and  despatched  the  required  reinforcements  to  Gc- 


EXERTIONS  IN  ORGANIZING  THE  ARMY.  135 

neral  Taylor,  General  Wool  arrived  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar,  and 
commenced  preparations  for  his  own  march  through  the  province  of 
Coahuila.  This  march  terminated  at  Saltillo,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  and  interesting  of  the  war. 

General  Wool  arrived  at  San  Antonio  de  Bexar  about  the  middle 
of  August.  His  army  (about  three  thousand  men)  had  concentrated 
at  this  place.  By  the  application  of  great  exertion,  and  with  the 
aid  of  indefatigable  staff-officers,  he  was  able  to  put  about  one-half 
of  his  army  into  a condition  for  marching,  leaving  the  rear  to  be 
brought  forward  by  the  chief  of  his  staff,  Inspector-General  Churchill, 
as  soon  as  means  of  transportation,  and  indispensable  supplies  should 
arrive. 

For  a complete  narrative  of  the  march  of  General  Wool,  and  of 
the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  we  refer  the  reader  to  the  following  letter 
from  a soldier  in  General  Wool’s  army: — 

“Dear  Sir: — I seize  the  first  opportunity  afforded  since  the 
battle  of  Buena  Vista,  of  writing  to  you  from  the  field  an  account 
of  the  more  recent  operations  of  General  Taylor’s  army,  including 
that  of  General  Wool’s,  heretofore  known  as  the  centre  division. 
The  official  details  of  the  battle  are,  I suppose,  already  published  in 
the  states,  and  made  familiar  to  you ; but  you  must  be  ignorant  of 
many  occurrences  of  great  interest  precedent  and  subsequent  to  that 
memorable  event. 

“General  Wool  landed  from  the  Gulf  on  the  2d  of  August,  1846, 
at  Labaca,  Texas,  with  the  1st  and  2d  Illinois  regiments  (infantry) 
commanded  by  Colonels  Hardin  and  Bissell ; and  soon  after  took  up 
the  line  of  march  for  San  Antonio  de  Bexar,  one  hundred  and  fifty 
miles  to  the  north.  There  he  was  joined  by  Colonel  Yell’s  mounted 
regiment  from  Arkansas,  and  by  that  of  Colonel  Marshall  of  Ken- 
tucky : Captain  Washington’s  well-drilled  company  of  flying  artil- 
lery, eight  pieces,  from  Carlisle,  Pennsylvania,  Major  Bonneville’s 
battalion  of  regular  infantry,  and  Colonel  Harney,  with  four  compa- 
nies of  dragoons,  were  also  attached  to  this  division. 

“General  Wool  displayed-^reat  activity  in  organizing  his  army, 
and  putting  the  commissariat  in  the  finest  possible  condition.  Sugar 
and  coffee  of  the  best  quality  have  always  been  a part  of  his  sol- 
diers’ daily  diet.  No  army  was  ever  better  provided  than  this  with 
all  the  munitions  and  appliances  of  war ; if  we  except  the  quality 
of  the  powder,  which  the  government,  by  some  most  culpable  agents. 


136  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 

furnished  for  us — the  infantry;  an  article  far  inferior  to  that  of  Eng 
lish  manufacture,  used  by  the  Mexican  soldiers. 

“The  two  months  passed  in  this  delightful  region  were  well 
spent  in  drilling  for  active  service.  On  the  26th  of  September, 
two  days  after  the  capitulation  of  Monterey,  the  advance,  under 
Colonel  Harney,  marched  for  the  Rio  Grande,  followed  soon  after 
by  General  Wool,  who  left  Colonel  Churchill,  the  inspector,  and 
Colonel  Bissell,  to  bring  up  the  rear,  as  they  began  to  do  on  the  14th 
of  October.  The  whole  army  at  this  time  was  two  thousand  six 
hundred  strong.  We,  of  the  advance,  marched  to  the  Rio  Grande, 
two  hundred  miles,  in  twelve  days,  resting  one  for  General  Wool  to 
join  us. 

“ As  I can  only  approximate  to  accuracy,  I shall  use  round  num- 
bers in  mentioning  distances  and  the  population  of  towns.  Crossing 
the  present  boundary  between  our  country  and  Mexico  on  the  12th 
day  of  October,  we  set  foot  upon  the  soil  of  the  enemy.  Thence, 
marched  a distance  of  four  hundred  miles  to  the  city  of  Parras,  on 
the  south-western  confines  of  this  state,  (Coahuila,)  and  near  a lake 
of  the  same  name ; passing  through  and  taking  peaceable  posses- 
sion, in  our  circuitous  route,  of  the  cities.  Presidio  del  Rio  Grande, 
Nava,  San  Fernando,  Santa  Rosa,  Monclova,  the  ancient  capital  of 
this  state,  and  Parras,  w^hich  last  we  reached  on  the  6th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1846.  These  cities  contain  each  a population  of  from  five  to 
fifteen  thousand  souls,  except  Nava,  which  numbers  about  two  thou- 
sand. Monclova  and  Parras  are  quite  wealthy,  and  exhibit  fine  spe- 
cimens of  Spanish  art  and  refinement.  We  spent  some  time  in 
each  of  these  cities  with  pleasure  and  profit,  viewing  much  of 
Mexican  manners  and  customs,  and  enjoying  an  apparently  cordial 
intercourse  with  the  citizens.  Our  line  of  march  carried  us  through 
a great  variety  of  scenery,  marked,  after  three  days’  progress  in 
Mexico,  by  high  and  barren  mountains  on  the  south  and  west, 
covered  with  traces  of  rich  ores ; by  sterile  plains  and  table-lands, 
scantily  supplied,  in  the  dry  season,  with  water ; and  in  the  interior, 
by  beautiful  fertile  valleys,  embosoming  the  quiet  Mexican  cities, 
towns,  and  haciendas,  and  surrounded  in  the  hazy  distance  by  cloud- 
capt  mountains  covered  with  cedars.  You  are  acquainted  with  Illi- 
nois, and  can  form  some  idea  of  Mexico,  as  I saw  it  for  six  hun- 
dred miles,  by  imagining  the  Prairie  State  elevated  a thousand 
feet,  and  made  somewhat  more  broken  and  undulating,  with  craggy 


ORDERED  TO  CO-OPERATE  WITH  TAYLOR.  137 


rocky  mountains  towering  from  one  to  two  thousand  feet  above  the 
plains,  taking  the  place  of  the  groves  and  interesting  face  of  the 
country  in  all  directions.  But  it  is  only  by  actual  vision,  that  you 
can  adequately  estimate  the  grand,  though  uninviting  picture  of 
lonely  desolation — the  inhospitable  sterility  that  met  the  eye  of  the 
wearied  soldier,  in  his  toilsome,  thirsty  marches,  and  often  made  him 
wish  that  an  earthquake  had  sunk  the  country  he  was  sent  to  con- 
quer. The  country  bordering  on  the  Rio  Grande,  where  we  crossed 
it,  and  for  a considerable  distance  into  Mexico,  west  and  south,  is 
low,  level,  very  fertile,  and  w^ell  watered  by  streams  or  irrigating 
canals.  It  already  supports' a large  population,  and  contains  the 
cities  of  Presidio,  Nava,  and  Fernando ; the  last  two,  situated  forty 
and  fifty  miles  west  of  the  river,  struck  me  as  quite  flourishing. 

“ The  land  between  the  Nueces  and  the  Rio  Grande,  for  nearly 
a hundred  miles,  except  a few  fertile  prairies,  is  divided  into  sandy 
deserts  and  marshy  chapparals,  almost  as  difficult  of  access  as  the 
jungles  of  India.  It  will  be  the  haunt  only  of  savages  and  wild 
beasts  for  many  generations,  if  not  forever.  Personal  observation  ‘ 
satisfied  me  that  Senator  Benton  was  right  when  he  pronounced  the 
Nueces  ‘ the  most  profitable  western  boundary  of  Texas.’  Of  the 
country  east  of  this  river,  of  which  I saw  much,  I must  say  as  of 
Texas  generally,  with  her  rolling  prairies  and  crystal  streams,  that 
here  I beheld  the  future  France  of  America,  a land  destined  to 
bloom  with  “ the  olive  and  myrtle,  the  cedar  and  vine,”  and  to  flow, 
even  in  our  own  time,  with  milk  and  honey. 

“ The  effect  of  our  long  marching,  the  strict  discipline  enforced 
by  our  general,  and  the  exercise  taken  in  drill  were  most  salutary 
upon  the  health  of  our  army.  After  the  professional  and  sedentary 
life  in  the  bilious  atmosphere  of  the  Mississippi,  the  campaign  had 
a most  renovating  effect.  The  army  lay  encamped  at  Monclova 
three  weeks,  during  which  period  our  rear  came  up,  and  General 
Wool  was  ordered  to  co-operate  with  General  Taylor  at  Monterey, 
instead  of  marching  upon  Chihuahua,  which,  up  to  this  time,  had 
been  our  destination.  Eleven  days  bjought  us  to  Parras,  two  hun- 
dred miles  farther  into  the  country,  where  supplies  were  abundant. 
Here  we  lay  in  camp  eleven  days,  in  friendly  intercourse  with  the 
people,  of  whom  many  were  not  destitute  of  moral  worth  and  intelli 
gence.  The  American  sharpers  among  them  — soi-disant  gentle- 
men,— engaged  in  trade  and  marrying  fortunes,  struck  me  with 
12^ 


138 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


more  disgust  than  the  most  degraded  Mexicans.  Many  of  the  better 
class  of  natives  commanded  my  highest  esteem.  One  Don  Manuel 
Toarra,  who  was  educated  in  the  United  States,  found  some  old 
friends  in  the  army,  and  treated  us  with  a hospitality  commensurate 
with  his  great  wealth.  The  position  was  fixed  in  neutrality  by  his 
intelligence  and  prudence  ; by  his  respect  for  the  American  charac- 
ter and  institutions,  sympathy  for  his  country,  and  by  an  unfeigned 
aversion  for  his  own  rulers — the  demagogues  in  the  city  of  Mexico. 
Santa  Anna  had  assessed  his  contribution  for  the  army  at  sixty  dol- 
lars per  week.  His  reply  to  Santa  Anna  was,  ‘ Come  with  your 
army  and  take  it.’ 

“ But  these  halcyon  days  soon  passed  over  our  heads,  and  more 
stirring  scenes  were  at  hand.  General  Worth,  who  lay  at  Saltillo, 
one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  north  of  east  from  us,  with  a thou- 
sand regulars,  received  intelligence  (which  he  credited)  on  the  16th 
of  December,  that  Santa  Anna  was  within  three  days’  march  of  him, 
with  thirty  thousand  men,  and  was  advancing.  He  despatched  ex- 
presses to  Monterey  and  Parras  for  aid,  promising  to  hold  out  one  day 
against  any  force,  and  requesting  us  to  reinforce  him  on  the  fourth  day. 

“General  Wool  received  this  news  in  the  evening  of  the  ITth, 
and  in  less  than  two  hours  the  whole  of  the  army  was  on  the  march. 
On  the  21st  we  reinforced  Worth,  but  no  enemy  was  to  be  seen. 
For  three  nights  in  succession  on  this  march,  which  was  accom- 
plished in  three  days  and  a half,  the  army  was  aroused  at  one  o’clock 
in  the  morning  to  resume  the  advance.  The  cavalry  and  artillery 
called  us  sleep-walkers,  and  complained  that  we  were  killing  ofi 
their  horses. 

“ The  spirit  displayed  by  the  men,  their  alacrity,  cheerfulness  and 
patience,  were  most  admirable.  Expecting  as  they  did  to  meet  the 
enemy  every  hour,  their  demeanour  inspired  the  staff  and  all  other 
officers  with  confidence  in  the  result.  Volunteers  as  they  were, 
and,  as  compared  with  the  regulars,  but  imperfectly  disciplined, 
they  suddenly  assumed  a bearing,  and  readiness  to  obey  orders,  not 
altogether  unworthy  of  the  ‘ Old  Guard  of  Napoleon.’  This  march 
was  a fitting  prelude  to  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista. 

“On  the  21st  of  December  we  sat  down  at  Agua  Nueva,  a small 
rancho  or  town,  twenty-one  miles  south  of  Saltillo,  and  near  the  great 
pass  in  the  mountains  leading  to  San  Luis  Potosi,  the  seat  of  the 
Mexican  power.  Here  we  passed  Christmas  watching  for  the  ap- 


TAKES  POSITION  AT  BUENA  VISTA. 


139 


pearance  of  the  enemy  in  this  pass,  and  in  two  smaller  ones,  a few 
miles  distant  on  each  side  of  us.  New  Year’s  day  was  spent  at 
Encantada,  nine  miles  nearer  to  Saltillo ; we  still  watching,  how- 
ever, and  enjoying  the  luxury  of  frequent  false  alarms.  We  soon 
after  took  up  our  fighting  position  at  the  rancho  of  Buena  Vista, 
five  miles  from  Saltillo,  and  prepared  to  defend  the  pass  two  miles 
in  advance  of  our  camp. 

“In  the  mean  time.  General  Taylor  was  concentrating  all  his 
available  forces  at  Monterey,  either  to  receive  the  attack  or  to  make 
it  himself.  General  Scott,  however,  chose  that  he  should  receive 
it.  Early  in  January,  General  Worth  was  detached  with  his  divi- 
sion from  General  Taylor,  and  joined  to  Scott  at  Tampico.  Not 
content  with  taking  this  and  General  Patterson’s  command  at  Mata- 
moras,  Scott  broke  into  our  division  — the  marching  column  — and 
drew  off  to  himself  Colonel  Harney  with  two  companies  of  dragoons, 
and  Major  Bonneville’s  battalion  of  four  companies,  leaving  General 
Wool  an  army  of  volunteers,  exclusively ; if  you  except  Captain 
Steen’s  squadron  of  dragoons,  and  Captain  Washington’s  battery, 
which  last  even  he  (Scott)  had  the  modesty  to  request  for  his 
own  use.” 

The  following  valuable  extracts  from  a letter  of  one  in  General 
Wool’s  army,  [dated  San  Antonio  de  Bexar,  Oct.  14th,  1846,]  gh^e 
accurate  estimates  of  the  force  and  condition  of  the  Division  of  the 
Centre. 

“ It  was  the  last  of  August  before  all  the  various  detachments 
which  had  been  ordered  here  to  compose  this  division,  arrived.  As 
soon  as  they  had  done  so,  they  were  actively  employed  in  organiz- 
ing, drilling,  manmuvring,  &c.,  preparatory  to  taking  the  field. 
The  stores,  both  of  subsistence  and  ammunition,  came  in  but  slowly, 
as  they  had  to  be  hauled  in  wagons  from  Port  Laraca,  on  the  Gulf, 
a distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles ; and  sufficient  means  for 
transporting  them  were  not  supplied  in  season  to  bring  them  all  on 
at  once.  It  was  the  25th  of  September  before  these  stores  had  ac- 
cumulated here,  over  and  above  the  necessary  quantity  for  the  daily 
use  of  the  troops,  to  allow  the  general  to  commence  his  campaign. 
By  that  time  a train  of  wagons  large  enough  for  the  advance  had 
been  collected,  and  the  26th  was  appointed  as  the  day  on  which 
that  portion  of  the  division  should  move.  It  was  composed  of  the 
following  troops : — 


140 


BRTGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


“Colonel  W.  S.  Harney,  2d  dragoons,  in  comrriand. 

First  Lieutenant  Daniel  H.  Rucker,  1st  dragoons,  acting  assistant 
adjutant-general. 

Captain  Osborne  Cross,  assistant  quartermaster. 

Dr.  Josiah  Simpson,  assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  A, 

Dr.  William  Levely,  assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  A. 

Captain  Robert  E.  Lee,  U.  S.  corps  of  engineers. 

Captain  William  D.  Fraser,  U.  S.  corps  of  engineers. 

Captain  George  W.  Hughes,  U.  S.  corps  of  topographical  engi- 
neers. 

First  Lieutenant  Lorenzo  Sitgreaves,  U.  S.  corps  of  topographi- 
cal engineers. 

Lieutenant  William  B.  Franklin,  U.  S.  corps  of  topographical 
engineers. 

Captain  John  M;  Washington,  4th  artillery. 

First  Lieutenant  John  P.  J.  O’Brien,  4th  artillery. 

First  Lieutenant  Thomas  L.  Brent,  4th  artillery. 

Second  Lieutenant  Henry  M.  Whiting,  4th  artillery. 


These  are  the  officers  of  Washington’s  light  ar- 
tillery, (company  ‘ B,’  4th  artillery,)  which  num- 
bered for  duty,  and  able  to  march 
One  squadron  2d  regiment  U.  S.  dragoons,  com- 
posed of  ‘A’  and  ‘I’  companies — able  to  march 
The  officers  composing  this  squadron  were 

Brevet-Major  Benjamin  L.  Beall,  2d  dragoons. 
First  Lieutenant  John  H.  Hill,  “ 

First  Lieutenant  Daniel  G.  Rogers,  “ 
Second  Lieutenant  John  Y.  Bicknell,  “ 
Second  Lieutenant  James  M.  Hawes,  “ 

One  battalion  of  light  infantry,  composed  of  three 
companies  of  the  6th  U.  S.  infantry,  and  one 
of  Kentucky  volunteers — able  to  march  . 

These  are  the  officers  of  that  battalion,  so  far  as  I 
have  been  able  to  ascertain — 

Major  B.  L.  E.  Bonneville,  6th  U.  S.  infantry. 
Captain  William  Hoffman,  “ 

Captain  Albemarle  Cady,  “ 

Captain  John  Williams,  Kentucky  volunteers 


Total.  Aggregate. 


95  99 

118  124 


253 


LIST  OF  OFFICERS,  ETC. 


141 


First  Lieutenant  Edward  H.  Fitzgerald,  6th 
infantry  A.  C.  S. 

First  Lieutenant  Leonidas  Wetmore,  6th,  com- 
manding company. 

Second  Lieutenant  Edwin  Howe,  6th, 

Second  Lieutenant  William  Read,  5th  U.  S. 
infantry. 

Brevet  Second  Lieutenant  Williani  Rhea,  6th 
U.  S.  infantry. 

(Three  subalterns  of  Capt.  Williams’  company 
of  Kentucky  volunteers,  names  not  known.) 

Six  companies  of  Arkansas  mounted  volunteers. 

Their  collective  strength  of  men  able  to  march, 

was ' . . .392  421 

Colonel  Arch.  Yell,  Arkansas  mounted  vol. 
Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  S.  Rone,  “ “ 

First  Lieutenant  G.  Meares,  adjt.  “ “ 

Captain  Albert  Pike,  “ “ 

Captain  John  Preston,  Jr.,  “ “ 

Captain  John  Dillard,  “ “ 

Captain  Danley,  “ “ 

Captain  Porter,  “ “ 

Captain  Inglish,  “ “ 

(Subalterns’  names  not  known.) 

Two  companies  (‘A’  and  G’)  1st  regiment  of  Illi- 
nois volunteers,  commanded  by  Captain  Morgan, 

of  the  Gluincy  riflemen, 150  156 

Two  companies  (‘B’  and  ‘H’)  2d  regiment  of  Illi- 
nois volunteers,  commanded  by  Captain  Webb 
of  the  2d  regiment  I.  V.  . . . . 135  141 

One  company  of  pioneers,  under  the  direction  of 

Captain  Lee,  and  numbering  ....  30 


Advance — with  66  officers,  ....  1171  1237 

“ Two  boats  had  been  constructed  at  this  place  by  Captain  Fraser, 
Engineers,  by  which  the  division  is  to  cross  the  Rio  Grande.  They 
were  taken  apart  and  transported  thither  in  wagons.  The  general 
directed  that  all  the  men  who  were  unable  to  march  fifteen  miles  per 


142 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


day  should  be  left  behind,  to  come  up  with  other  troops,  should  they 
recover  from  sickness,  and  regain  their  strength. 

“ This  force  started  on  the  morning  of  the  26th  September.  Every 
man  in  fine  spirits,  and  every  company  in  the  best  possible  fighting 
order.  Captain  Washington  had  a fine  battery  of  six  brass  pieces 
— two  twelve-pounders  and  four  six-pounders — and  a good  supply 
of  ammunition  for  them.  Two  more  brass  six-pounders  are  to  be 
forwarded  from  here.  These  are  to  be  added  to  his  battery,  and 
will  reach  him  at  the  Rio  Grande. 

On  the  morning  of  the  29th  of  September,  General  Wool,  staff, 
and  escort  (one  squadron  of  1st  regiment  U.  S.  dragoons)  left  San 
Antonio  for  the  Rio  Grande.  The  officers  were — 
Brigadier-General  John  E.  Wool,-U.  S.  army. 

First  Lieutenant  Irvin  McDowell,  1st  artillery,  A.  D.  C. 

Brevet  Second  Lieutenant  Francis  T.  Bryan,  topographical  engi- 
neers, additional  A.  D.  C. 

Captain  James  H.  Prentiss,  1st  artillery,  assistant  adjutant-general. 
Captain  William  W.  Chapman,  assistant  quartermaster. 

First  Lieutenant  Marsena  R.  Patrick,  2d  infantry,  A.  C.  S. 

Dr.  Charles  M.  Hitchcock,  assistant  surgeon,  U.  S.  A. 

Major  David  Hunter,  paymaster,  U.  S.  A. 

Second  Lieutenant  Charles  P.  Kingsbury,  ordnance  department. 
Captain  Enoch  Steen,  1st  regiment  U.  S.  dragoons. 

Captain  William  Eustis,  “ “ 

Second  Lieut.  Abram  Buford,  “ “ 

Sec.  Lieut.  Joseph  H.  Whittlesey,  “ “ 

The  squadron  of  1st  dragoons  was  composed  of  ‘A’  and  ‘E’  com- 
panies, and  numbered  one  hundred  and  thirty-one. 

Aggregate  of  all  the  force  which  left  on  the  29th,  one  hundred 
and  forty-four. 

“Colonel  Sylvester  Churchill,  inspector-general  U.  S.  army,  was 
left  in  command  of  the  forces  remaining  at  San  Antonio  dq  Bexar, 
which  forces  were  to  be  forwarded  on  to  join  the  general  at  the 
Presidio  del  Rio  Grande,  as  fast  as  means  of  transportation  would 
allow. 

“On  the  2d  of  October  eight  companies  of  the  1st  regiment  Illi- 
nois volunteers  took  up  their  line  of  march.  This  force  was  com- 
manded by 

Colonel  John  J.  Hardin,  1st  regiment  Illinois  volunteers. 


LIST  OF  OFFICERS. 


143 


His  field  and  staff  officers  were — 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Weatherford,  1st  regiment  Illinois  volunteers. 
Major  Warren,  “ “ “ “ 

Captain  Robert  H.  Chilton,  A,  Gl.  M.,  U.  S.  army. 

9 Dr.  Herrick,  assistant  surgeon  (by  the  new  law). 

0^  Dr.  Zabriskie,  acting  assistant  surgeon  (by  appointment). 

First  Lieutenant  W.  H.  Wallace,  adjutant  1st  regiment  Illinois 
volunteers. 

The  captains  of  companies  were — 

Captain  Mower,  1st  regiment  Illinois  volunteers. 

Captain  Fry,  “ “ “ 

Captain  Zabriskie,  “ “ 

Captain  Richardson,  “ “ “ 

Captain  Crow,  “ “ “ 

Captain  Wyatt,  “ “ “ 

Captain  Montgomery,  “ “ “ 

Captain  Landon,  “ “ “ 

The  total  of  Colonel  Hardin’s  command  was  538 — 36  officers— 
aggregate,  574. 

“ This  command  was  also  in  fine  order,  and  not  encumbered  by 
any  men  unable  to  march  fifteen  rhiles  per  day. 

“ The  last  intelligence  received  here  from  General  Wool  was 
dated  at  his  head-quarters  on  the  evening  of  October  5th.  He  had 
overtaken  Colonel  Harney  and  the  advance,  and  was  then  encamped^ 
twenty-five  miles  only  from  Presidio  del  Rio  Grande.  By  his  table 
of  distances  from  one  watering-place  to  another,  for  the  whole  route, 
(and  giving  an  account  of  the  grazing,  &c.,  for  the  information  of 
the  forces  to  succeed  him,)  Presidio  is  estimated  to  be  one  hundred 
and  fifty-seven  miles  from  San  Antonio.  The  water  abounded  in 
sufficient  quantities,  and  at  intervals  short  enough  to  prevent  the 
necessity  of  transporting  it,  except  for  a part  of  one  day’s  march,  for 
the  whole  way.  The  grazing  is  also  reported  as  being  generally 
good,  except  at  the  Leona  and  Nueces  rivers. 

“ Since  writing  the  foregoing,  another  express  has  arrived  from 
the  general,  with  communications  dated  the  11th  instant.  He  had 
arrived  at  the  river  on  the  9th,  and  nearly  the  whole  of  the  advance 
had  crossed  without  opposition,  and  was  already  in  Mexico.  The 
following  order  was  published  to  the  troops,  on  the  9th: — 

“ Soldiers! — After  a long  and  tedious  march,  you  have  arrived 
G 


144 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


on  the  bank  of  the  Rio  Grande.  In  the  performance  of  this  service 
the  commanding  general  has  witnessed  with  the  greatest  pleasure 
your  patience,  good  order,  and  perseverance  under  many  depriva- 
tions and  hardships.  All  have  done  their  duty,  and  in  a manner 
that  reflects  the  highest  credit  on  both  officers  and  men.  From  this 
remark  he  would  not  except  his  staff,  who  have  actively  and  zeal- 
ously devoted  themselves  to  the  service ; whilst  Captain  Cross  has 
been  eminently  successful  in  forwarding  his  long  train  of  supplies, 
without  delay  or  serious  accident. 

“ To-morrow  you  will  cross  the  Rio  Grande,  and  occupy  the  ter- 
ritory of  our  enemies.  We  have  not  come  to  make  war  upon  the 
people  or  peasantry  of  the  country,  but  to  compel  the  government 
of  Mexico  to  render  justice  to  the  United  States.  The  people,  there- 
fore, who  do  not  take  up  arms  against  the  United  States,  and  remain 
quiet  and  peaceful  at  their  homes,  will  not  be  molested  or  interfered 
with,  either  as  regards  their  persons  or  property  ; and  all  those  who 
furnish  supplies  will  be  treated  kindly,  and  whatever  is  received 
from  them  will  be  liberally  paid  for. 

“ It  is  expected  of  the  troops  that  they  will  observe  the  most  rigid 
discipline  and  subordination.  All  depredations  on  the  persons  or 
property  of  the  people  of  the  country  are  strictly  forbidden  ; and  any 
soldier  or  follower  of  the  camp  who  may  so  far  forget  his  duty  as  to 
violate  this  injunction,  will  be  severely  punished. 

“ A report  reached  San  Antonio  last  evening,  that  the  Mexicans 
had  assembled  a force  of  seven  thousand  at  Monclova,  to  arrest 
General  Wool’s  advance  at  that  place ; and  it  is  also  reported  that 
Santa  Anna  has  taken  command  of  his  army  in  person,  and  already 
established  his  head-quarters  at  Saltillo. 

“ The  rear  of  the  Central  Division  leaves  here  this  day,  to  join  the 
general.  The  officers  are — 

Colonel  Sylvester  Churchill,  Inspector-General  U.  S.  A.,  com- 
manding. 

First  Lieutenant  J.  Henry  Carlton,  1st  dragoons,  aid-de-camp. 

Majqr  Charles  Thomas,  quartermaster  U.  S.  A. 

Captain  Davis,  A.  Q,.  M.  (Under  new  act.) 

Captain  Howard,  A.  C.  S.  t< 

Dr.  Edward  B.  Price,  surgeon,  “ ^ 

Dr.  J.  Ham  White,  surgeon,  “ “ 

Major  John  B.  Butler,  paymaster,  “ “ 


LIST  OF  OFFICERS,  ETC.  145 

Captain  George  A.  H.  Blake,  2d  dragoons,  commanding  detach- 
ment of  artillery,  dragoons  and  infantry. 

Brevet  Second  Lieutenant  James  Oaks,  2d  dragoons,  on  duty  with 
Captain  Blake. 

Two  companies  of  Arkansas  mounted  volunteers,  commanded  by 
Captain  William  G.  Preston  and  Captain  Hunter. 

Colonel  William  H.  Bissell,  commanding  2d  regiment  Illinois 
volunteers. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Morrison,  2d  regiment  Illinois  volunteers. 

Major  Trail,  “ “ “ 

Seven  companies  only,  of  the  2d  regiment,  march  with  this  com- 
mand — two  having  gone  with  Colonel  Harney,  and  one  (Captain 
Hacker’s)  left  as  a guard  to  this  place.  They  are  commanded  by 
the  following  officers : 

Captain  Wheeler,  Captain  Baker, 

Captain  Coffee,  Captain  Armstrong, 

Captain  Lemon,  Captain  Lott. 

Captain  Miller, 

One  company  of  Texas  volunteers,  commanded  by  Captain  Charles 
A.  Seefeld.  (Names  of  subalterns  not  known.) 

The  whole  of  this  command  numbers,  aggregate,  724. 

“With  the  next  train  of  wagons.  Major  Solon  Borland,  with  the 
remaining  two  companies  of  Arkansas  volunteers,  is  to  come  up. 
They  are  commanded  by  Captain  Moffitt  and  Captain  Patrick,  and 
will  number,  aggregate,  150. 

“ Then  all  the  forces  of  this  division  will  have  left  for  tlie  field, 
and  will  number,  all  told,  only  2829. 

“ The  general  will  probably  establish  a depot  for  stores  somewhere 
in  the  interior  beyond  Presidio  — as  when  the  rainy  season  com- 
mences, he  no  doubt  desires  to  have  the  distance  for  immediate  and 
frequent  transportation  as  short  as  possible.  It  is  thought  by  many 
here  that  we  shall  have  a hard  struggle  before  we  capture  Chihua- 
hua. Let  that  be  as  it  may,  we  will  all  try  to  render  out  country  a 
good  account  of  ourselves. 

“ I shall  write  you  again  from  the  Presidio  del  Rio  Grande.  You . 
have  in  this  crude  letter  the  different  corps,  and  the  strength  of  each ; 
and  when  they  are  mentioned  in  future  letters,  you  can  refer  to  this 
for  many  data  which  will  in  them  be  necessarily  suppressed. 

“The  north-western  frontier  of  Texas,  during  our  advance,  will 
13 


146 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


be  protected  by  a military  police,  composed  of  four  or  five  compa- 
nies of  mounted  rangers,  three  of  which  have  already  been  mustered 
into  the  service  of  the  United  States  for  twelve  months.” 

Fortunately  for  General  Taylor,  Wool  was  not  sent  with  the 
regular  troops  who  had  been  called  away  from  the  Rio  Grande  to 
Vera  Cruz.  To  him  was  entrusted  the  management  of  the  battle 
of  Buena  Vista,  and  in  all  the  extremities  of  that  eventful  field,  the 
army  leaned  on  him  for  advice  and  assistance.  There  the  volun- 
teers learned  the  use  of  that  strict  discipline  which  he  had  been  so 
indefatigable  to  enforce ; and  his  stern  voice  sounded  along  the 
gorges  of  Angostura  like  some  mighty  spirit’s,  to  whom  was  en- 
trusted the  chances  of  battle.  His  official  report  of  the  action, 
which  we  insert  entire,  is  the  most  scientific  description  of  it  ever 
published. 

“Agreeably  to  the  orders  from  the  commanding  general,  I have 
the  honour  to  report  that,  on  the  21st  ult.,  the  troops  at  Agua  Nueva 
broke  up  their  encampment,  and,  preceded  by  the  supply  and  bag- 
gage train,  marched  for  Buena  Vista  and  Saltillo,  except  Colonel 
Yell’s  regiment  of  Arkansas  volunteers,  which  remained  to  look 
out  for  the  enemy,  reported  to  be  advancing  on  Agua  Nueva  in 
great  force,  and  to  guard  some  public  stores  left  at  the  hacienda  until 
transportation  could  be  obtained  to  carry  them  to  Buena  Vista. 

“ On  the  arrival  of  the  commanding  general  at  Encantada,  he  di- 
rected that  Colonel  McKee’s  regiment,  2d  Kentucky  volunteers,  and 
a section  of  Captain  Washington’s  battery,  be  kept  at  that  place  to 
give  support  to  Colonel  Yell  in  case  he  should  be  driven  in  by  the  j 
enemy.  Betw^een  Encantada  and  Buena  Vista,  at  a place  called  the 
Pass,  Colonel  Hardin’s  regiment  1st  Illinois  volunteers  was  stationed. 
The  rest  of  my  command  encamped  near  the  hacienda  of  Buena 
Vista.  The  major-general  commanding,  accompanied  by  Lieute- 
nant-Colonel May’s  squadron,  (2d  dragoons,)  Captains  Sherman  and 
Bragg’s  batteries,  (3d  artillery,)  and  the  Mississippi  regiment,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  Davis,  proceeded  to  Saltillo,  to  provide  against 
the  attack  meditated  by  General  Minon,  with  a cavalry  force  reported 
to  be  three  thousand  strong.  As  many  wagons  as  could  be  obtained 
were  ordered  to  return  forthwith  to  Agua  Nueva,  and  bring  off  what 
remained  of  the  stores  at  that  place. 

“ In  the  course  of  the  evening,  agreeably  to  the  instructions  of  the 
commanding  general,  transmitted  from  Saltillo,  Colonel  Marshall, 


WOiftL’S  OPERATIONS  AT  BUENA  VISTA.  147 


with  his  regiment  and  the  1st  dragoons,  were  ordered  to  Agua 
Nueva  to  reinforce  Colonel  Yell,  who  was  directed,  in  case  he 
should  be  attacked,  to  destroy  every  thing  at  that  place  he  could  not 
bring  off,  and  to  retire  before  12  o’clock,  P.  M,  Colonel  McKee,  at 
Encantada,  with  the  section  of  artillery,  was  directe^d^'to  join  Colonel 
Yell  on  his  retreat,  and  the  whole  to  fall  back  to  Buena  Vista,  should 
the  enemy  pursue  them  to  that  place.  Before  leaving  Agua  Nueva, 
Colonel  Yell’s  pickets  were  driven  in  by  the  advanced  parties  of 
the  Mexicans.  He  then  retired  with  the  reinforcements  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Marshall,  after  destroying  a small  quantity  of 
corn  yet  remaining  at  the  hacienda,  and  leaving  a few  wagons 
which  had  been  precipitately  abandoned  by  their  teamsters. 

“All  the  advanced  parties  came  into  Buena  Vista,  except  Colonel 
Hardin’s  regiment,  before  daylight  on  the  morning  of  the  22d. 

“At  8 o’clock,  A.  M.,  oh  the  22d,  I received  notice  that  the 
Mexican  army  was  at  Agua  Nueva,  and  ordered  a section  of  Cap- 
tain Washington’s  artillery  to  move  forward  and  join  Colonel  Hardin. 
Shortly  afterwards  I repaired  to  that  position,  where  it  had  been  de- 
termined to  give  battle  to  the  enemy.  During  the  previous  night, 
agreeably  to  my  orders.  Colonel  Hardin’s  regiment  had  thrown  up 
a parapet  on  the  height,  on  the  left  of  the  road,  and  had  dug  a small 
ditch,  and  made  a parapet  extending  from  the  road  around  the  edge 
of  the  gulley,  on  the  right  of  the  road.  They  were  then  directed 
to  dig  a ditch,  and  make  a parapet  across  the  road  for  the  protection 
of  Captain  Washington’s  artillery,  leaving  a narrow  passage  next 
to  the  hill,  which  was  to  be  closed  up  by  running  into  it  two  wa- 
gons loaded  with  stone. 

“ About  9 o’clock,  our  pickets,  stationed  at  the  Encantada,  three 
and  a half  miles  distant,  discovered  the  enemy  advancing.  Word 
w^as  immediately  despatched  to  the  commanding  general  at  Saltillo ; 
and  I ordered  the  troops  at  Buena  Vista  forthwith  to  be  brought 
forward. 

“ Captain  Washington’s  battery  was  posted  across  the  road,  pro- 
tected on  its  left  by  a commanding  eminence,  and  on  its  right  by 
deep  gullies.  The  2d  Kentucky  infantry,  commanded  by  Colonel 
McKee,  was  stationed  on  a hill  immediately  in  the  rear  of  Wash- 
ington’s battery.  The  six  companies  of  the  1st  Illinois  regiment, 
commanded  by  Colonel  Hardin,  took  post  on  the  eminence  on  the 
left;  and  two  companies,  under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Weatherford, 


148  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOft. 

occupied  the  breastwork  on  the  right  of  Washington’s  battery.  The 
2d  Illinois  regiment  was  stationed  on  the  left  of  the  Kentucky  regi- 
ment. The  Indiana  brigade,  commanded  by  Brigadier-General 
Lane,  was  posted  on  a ridge  immediately  in  rear  of  the  front  line, 
and  Captain  Stein’s  squadron  in  reserve,  in  rear  of  the  Indiana  bri- 
gade. The  Kentucky  regiment  of  cavalry,  under  the  command  of 
Colonel  Marshall,  and  the  Arkansas  regiment,  under  the  command 
of  Colonel  Yell,  were  stationed  to  the  left  of  the  second  line  towards 
the  mountains.  Shortly  afterwards  the  rifle  companies  of  these  two 
regiments  were  dismounted,  and  with  the  cavalry  companies  of  the 
Kentucky  regiment,  and  a battalion  of  riflemen  from  the  Indiana 
brigade,  under  Major  Gorman,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Mar- 
shall, were  ordered  to  take  post  on  the  extreme  left,  and  at  the  foot 
of  the  mountains. 

“These  dispositions  were  approved  by  the  major-general  com- 
manding; who  had  now  returned  from  Saltillo,  bringing  with  him 
Lieutenant-Colonel  May’s  squadron  of  the  2d  dragoons,  Captains 
Sherman  and  Bragg’s  batteries  of  artillery,  and  the  Mississippi 
regiment  of  riflemen. 

“The  enemy  had  halted  just  beyond  cannon-shot,  and  displayed 
his  forces  on  either  side  of  the  road,  and  commenced  pushing  his 
light  infantry  into  the  mountains  on  our  left.  At  the  same  time,  in- 
dications of  an  attempt  on  our  right  induced  the  commanding  ge- 
neral to  order  the  2d  Kentucky  infantry  and  Captain  Bragg’s  bat- 
tery, with  a detachment  of  mounted  men,  to  take  post  on  the  right 
of  the  gullies,  and  at  some  distance  in  advance  of  Captain  Wash- 
ington’s battery,  in  the  centre. 

“ Captain  Sherman’s  battery  was  held  in  reserve  in  rear  of  the 
second  line. 

“ The  enemy  was  now  seen  pushing  his  infantry  on  his  right 
towards  the  heights,  showing  evidently  an  intention  to  turn  our  left, 
in  order  to  get  possession  of  the  key  to  our  position  — the  eminence 
immediately  on  the  left  of  Washington’s  artillery— and  thus  open  a 
free  passage  to  Saltillo. 

“Colonel  Marshall,  with  his  regiment,  the  Arkansas  riflemen, 
under  Lieutenant-Colonel  Roane,  and  the  Indiana  rifle  battalion, 
under  Major  Gorman,  was  charged  with  meeting  this  party,  and 
checking  their  movement  on  our  left.  Brigadier-General  Lane, 
with  the  2d  Indiana  regiment,  and  a section  of  Captain  Washing- 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


149 


ton’s  artillery,  under  Lieutenant  O’Brien — since  captain  in  the  quar- 
termaster’s department  — was  ordered  to  the  extreme  left  and  front 
of  the  plain,  which  was  terminated  by  a deep  ravine,  extending 
from  the  mountain  to  the  road,  with  orders  to  prevent  the  enemy 
from  coming  around  by  the  base  of  the  mountain. 

“At  2 o’clock,  as  the  enemy’s  light  infantry  were  moving  up  the 
side  of  the  mountain  and  m the  ravines,  they  opened  a fire  on  our 
riflemen  from  a large  howitzer  posted  in  the  road  ; and  between  3 
and  4 o’clock  Colonel  Marshall  engaged  the  Mexican  infantry  on 
the  side  of  the  mountain,  and  the  firing  continued  on  both  sides  at 
intervals  until  dark.  In  this  our  troops  sustained  no  loss,  whilst 
that  of  the  enemy  is  known,  by  a subsequent  inspection  of  the 
ground,  to  be  considerable.  After  the  firing  had  ceased,  the  major- 
general  commanding  again  returned  to  Saltillo  to  see  to  matters  at 
that  place,  and  to  guard  against  General  Minon  and  his  cavalry, 
taking  with  him  the  Mississippi  regiment  and  squadron  of  the  2d 
dragoons. 

“ The  troops  remained  underarms  during  the  night  in  the  position 
they  occupied  at  the  close  of  the  day.  About  2 o’clock,  A.  M.,  of 
the  23d,  our  pickets  were  driven  in  by  the  Mexicans,  and  at  the 
dawn  of  the  day  the  action  was  renewed  by  the  Mexican  light  in- 
fantry and  our  riflemen  on  the  side  of  the  mountain. 

“ The  enemy  had  succeeded  during  the  night,  and  early  in  the 
morning,  in  gaining  the  very  top  of  the  mountain,  and  in  passing  to 
our  left  and  rear.  He  had  reinforced  his  extreme  right  by  some 
fifteen  hundred  to  two  thousand  infantry. 

“Major  Prail,  2d  Illinois  volunteers,  was  ordered,  with  his  battalion 
of  riflemen,  to  reinforce  Colonel  Marshall,  who  was  engaged  in 
holding  the  right  of  the  enemy  in  check. 

“The  enemy  now  opened  a fire  upon  our  left  from  a battery  planted 
on  the  side  of  the  mountain  near  where  his  light  infantry  had  com- 
menced ascending  it  — every  thing  now  indicating  that  the  main 
attack  would  be  against  our  left. 

“The  2d  Kentucky  infantry  and  Bragg’s  battery  of  artillery  were 
by  instructions  given  to  Major  Mansfield,  ordered  from  the  extreme 
right,  and  Sherman’s  battery  ordered  up  from  the  rear  to  take  post 
with  Colonel  Bisseli’s  regiment  (2d  Illinois  volunteers)  on  the  pla- 
teau which  extends  from  the  centre  of  the  line  to  the  foot  of  the 
mountain,  the  sides  of  which  were  now  filled  with  the  Mexican  in- 
13^ 


150 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


fantry  and  our  riflemen,  between  whom  the  firing  had  become  very 
brisk.  About  this  time  the  major-general  commanding  was  seen 
returning  from  Saltillo  with  the  Mississippi  regiment  and  the  squad- 
ron of  the  2d  dragoons  ; and,  shortly  after,  he  arrived  and  took  his 
position  in  the  centre  of  the  field  of  battle,  where  he  could  see  and 
direct  the  operations  of  the  day.  At  8 o’clock,  a large  body  of  the 
enemy,  composed  of  infantry,  lancers,  and  three  pieces  of  artillery, 
moved  down  the  high  road  upon  our  centre,  held  by  Captain  Wash- 
ington’s battery  and  the  1st  Illinois  volunteers,  but  were  soon  dis- 
persed by  the  former.  The  rapidity  and  precision  of  the  fire  of  the 
artillery  scattered  and  dispersed  this  force  in  a few  minutes  with 
considerable  loss  on  their  side,  and  little  or  none  on  our  own. 

“ In  connection  with  this  movement,  a heavy  column  of  the  ene- 
my’s infantry  and  cavalry  and  the  battery  on  the  side  of  the  moun- 
tain moved  against  our  left,  which  was  held  by  Brigadier-General 
Lane,  with  the  2d  Indiana  regiment,  and  Lieutenant  O’Brien’s  sec- 
tion of  artillery,  by  whom  the  enemy’s  fire  was  warmly  returned, 
and,  owing  to  the  range,  with  great  effect  by  Lieutenant  O’Brien’s 
artillery.  General  Lane,  agreeably  to  my  orders,  wishing  to  bring 
his  infantry  within  striking  distance,  ordered  his  line  to  move  for- 
ward. This  order  was  duly  obeyed  by  Lieutenant  O’Brien.  The 
infantry,  however,  instead  of  advancing,  retired  in  disorder  ; and,  in 
spite  of  the  utmost  efforts  of  their  general  and  his  officers,  left  the 
artillery  unsupported,  and  fled  the  field  of  battle.  Some  of  them 
were  rallied  by  Colonel  Bowles,  who,  with  the  fragment,  fell  in  the 
ranks  of  the  Mississippi  riflemen,  and  during  the  day  did  good  ser- 
vice with  that  gallant  regiment.  I deeply  regret  to  say  that  most 
of  them  did  not  return  to  the  field,  and  many  of  them  continued  their 
flight  to  Saltillo. 

“Lieutenant  O’Brien,  being  unsupported  by  any  infantry,  and 
not  being  able  to  make  head  against  the  heavy  column  bearing  down 
upon  him  with  a destructive  fire,  fell  back  on  the  centre,  leaving 
one  of  his  pieces,  at  which  all  the  cannoniers  and  horses  were  either 
Rilled  or  disabled,  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  Seeing  themselves 
cut  off  from  the  centre  by  the  flight  of  the  2d  Indiana  regiment,  and 
the  consequent  advance  of  the  Mexican  infantry  and  cavalry  upon 
the  ground  previously  occupied  by  it,  the  riflemen  under  the  com- 
mand of  Colonel  Marshall  retreated  from  their  position  in  the 
mountain,  where  they  had  been  so  successfully  engaged  with  the 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


151 


enemy  on  the  other  side  of  the  dry  bed  of  a deep  and  broad  torrent 
that  is  immediately  in  rear  of  our  position.  Here  many  fled  in  dis- 
order to  the  rear.  Some  of  them  were  subsequently  rallied  and 
brought  again  into  action,  with  their  brave  companions  ; others  were 
stopped  at  the  hacienda  of  Buena  Vista,  and  there  re-formed  by 
their  officers. 

“The  enemy  immediately  brought  forward  a battery  of  three 
pieces,  and  took  a position  on  the  extreme  left  of  our  line,  under 
the  mountain,  and  commenced  an  enfilading  fire  on  our  centre, 
which  was  returned  with  so  much  effect  upon  the  advancing  column 
of  the  Mexicans,  containing  near  six  thousand  infantry  and  lancers, 
that  it  forced  them  to  keep  to  the  upper  side  of  the  plateau,  close 
under  the  side  of  the  mountain  ; and,  instead  of  turning  to  the  left 
and  advancing  on  our  centre,  against  the  heavy  fire  of  so  much 
well-served  artillery,  continued  its  course  perpendicular  to  our  line 
on  the  extreme  left,  crossed  over  the  bed  of  the  dry  torrent,  in  the 
direction  taken  by  our  retreating  riflemen,  keeping  all  the  while 
close  to  the  foot  of  the  mountain.  Colonels  Marshall  and  Yell,  with 
their  cavalry  companies.  Colonel  May,  with  the  squadron  of  the  1st 
and  2d  dragoons,  and  Captain  Pike’s  squadron,  Arkansas  regiment, 
in  connection  with  a brigade  of  infantry,  formed  of  the  Mississippi 
regiment,  the  3d  Indiana,  (Colonel  Lane)  and  a fragment  of  the  2d 
Indiana  regiment,  under  Colonel  Bowles,  and  Bragg’s  artillery,  and 
three  pieces  of  Sherman’s  battery,  succeeded  in  checking  the  march 
of  this  column.  The  Mississippi  regiment  alone,  and  with  a howit- 
zer under  Captain  Sherman,  moved  against  some  four  thousand  of 
the  enemy,  and  slopped  them  in  their  march  upon  Saltillo.  A large 
body  of  lancers  from  this  body  formed  column  in  one  of  the  moun- 
tain gorges,  and  advanced  through  the  Mexican  infantry,  to  make  a 
descent  on  the  hacienda  of  Buena  Vista,  near  which  our  train  of 
supplies  and  baggage  had  been  packed.  They  were  gallantly  and 
successfully  met  by  our  mounted  men,  under  Colonels  Marshall  and 
Yell,  and  the  attacking  column  separated  — part  returning  to  the 
mountain  under  cover  of  their  infantry,  and  a part  through  the  ha 
cienda.  Here  the  latter  were  met  by  a destructive  fire  from  those 
men  who  had  left  the  field  in  the  early  part  of  the  action,  and  had 
been  rallied  by  their  officers.  Colonel  May’s  dragoons  and  a section 
of  artillery,  under  Lieutenant  Reynolds,  coming  up  at  this  moment, 
completed  the  rout  of  this  portion  of  the  enemy’s  cavalry.  The 

G* 


152  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 

column  that  had  passed  our  left,  and  had  gone  some  two  miles  to 
our  rear,  now  faced  about,  and  commenced  retracing  their  steps, 
exposing  their  right  flank  to  a very  heavy  and  destructive  fire  from 
our  infantry  and  artillery,  who  were  drawn  up  in  a line  parallel  to 
the  march  of  the  retreating  column,  of  whom  many  were  forced  on 
and  over  the  mountains,  and  many  dispersed. 

“ General  Santa  Anna,  seeing  the  situation  of  this  part  of  his  army, 
and,  no  doubt,  considering  them  as  cut  off,  sent  in  a flag  to  the  ma- 
jor-general commanding  to  know  what  he  desired.  The -general 
asked  me  to  be  the  bearer  of  his  answer,  to  which  I cheerfully 
assented,  and  proceeded  immediately  to  the  enemy’s  battery  under 
the  mountains,  to  see  the  Mexican  general-in-chief.  But  in  conse- 
quence of  a refusal  to  cease  firing  on  our  troops,  to  whom  the  news 
of  the  truce  had  not  yet  been  communicated,  and  who  were  actively 
engaged  with  the  Mexican  infantry,  I declared  the  parley  at  an 
end,  and  returned  without  seeing  General  Santa  Anna,  or  commu- 
nicating the  answer  of  the  general  commanding. 

“ The  Mexican  column  was  now  in  rapid  retreat,  pursued  by  our 
artillery,  infantry,  and  cavalry ; and,  notwithstanding  the  effect  of 
our  fire,  they  succeeded  for  the  greater  part,  favoured  by  the  con- 
figuration of  the  ground,  in  crossing  the  bed  of  the  torrent,  and 
regaining  the  plateau  from  which  they  had  previously  descended. 

“Whilst  this  was  taking  place  on  the  left  and  rear  of  the  line, 
our  centre,  under  the  immediate  eye  of  the  commanding  general, 
although  it  suffered  much  in  killed  and  wounded,  stood  firm,  and 
repelled  every  attempt  to  march  upon  it. 

“ The  Mexican  forces  being  now  concentrated  on  our  left,  made 
a bold  move  to  carry  our  centre,  by  advancing  with  his  whole 
strength  from  the  left  and  front.  At  this  moment.  Lieutenant 
O’Brien  was  ordered  to  advance  his  battery  . and  check  this  move- 
ment. He  did  so  in  a bold  and  gallant  manner,  and  maintained 
his  position  until  his  supporting  force  was  completely  routed  by  an 
immensely  superior  force.  His  men  and  horses  being  nearly  all 
killed  and  wounded,  he  found  himself  under  the  necessity  of  aban- 
doning his  pieces,  and  they  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  From 
this  point  the  enemy  marched  upon  the  centre,  where  the  shock 
was  met  by  Colonel  McKee,  the  1st  Illinois,  under  Colonel  Hardin, 
and  the  2d,  under  Colonel  Bissell,  all  under  the  immediate  eye  of 
the  commanding  general.  This  was  the  hottest  as  well  as  the  most 


RETREAT  OF  THE  ENEMY. 


153 


critical  part  of  the  action ; and  at  the  moment  when  our  troops  were 
about  giving  way  before  the  vastly  superior  force  with  which  they 
were  contending,  the  batteries  of  Captains  Sherman  and  Bragg 
coming  up  most  opportunely  from  the  rear,  and  under  the  immediate 
direction  of  the  commanding  general,  by  a well-directed  fire  checked 
and  drove  back  with  great  loss  the  enemy,  who  had  come  close  upon 
the  muzzles  of  their  pieces.  A part  of  the  enemy’s  lancers  took 
our  infantry  in  flank,  and  drove  them  down  the  ravine  in  front  of 
Captain  Washington’s  battery,  who  saved  them  by  a well-directed 
and  well-timed  fire  from  his  pieces. 

“ This  was  the  last  great  effort  of  General  Santa  Anna ; the  firing, 
however,  between  the  enemy’s  artillery  and  our  own,  continued  until 
night. 

“ The  troops  lay  on  their  arms  in  the  position  in  which  they  were 
placed  at  evening.  Major  Warren’s  command,  consisting  of  four 
companies  of  Illinois  infantry,  and  a detachment  of  Captain  Web- 
ster’s company,  under  Lieutenant  Donaldson,  were  brought  on  the 
field  from  Saltillo;  where  they  had  performed,  during  the  day,  im- 
portant services  in  connection  with  Captain  Webster’s  battery,  under 
a piece  ably  served  by  Lieutenant  (now  Captain)  Shover,  3d  artil- 
lery, in  repelling  the  attack  of  General  Minon  and  his  cavalry  on 
that  place.  Every  arrangement  was  made  to  engage  the  enemy 
early  the  next  morning,  when,  at  daybreak,  it  was  discovered  he 
had  retreated  under  cover  of  the  night,  leaving  about  one  thousand 
dead  and  several  hundred  wounded  on  the  field  of  battle,  and  two 
hundred  and  ninety-four  prisoners  in  our  hands,  one  standard,  and 
a large  number  of  arms. 

“ Our  own  loss  was,  I deeply  regret  to  say,  very  great — equalling, 
if  not  exceeding,  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged,  that  of  the 
enemy.  In  killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  it  amounted  to  rising  of 
seven  hundted.  Anong  the  dead,  some  of  the  most  gallant  of  our 
officers-  fell  while  leading  their  men  to  the  charge,  and  some  who 
are  well  known  to  the  country  for  distinguished  services  on  other 
fields,  among  whom  were  Colonel  A.  Yell,  of  Arkansas,  Colonel 
William  McKee,  Lieutenant-Colonel  H.  Clay,  of  Kentucky,  and 
Colonel  Hardin,  of  Illinois.  I also  lost  my  assistant  adjutant-gene- 
ral, Captain  Lincoln,  who  was  as  brave,  gallant,  and  as  accomplished 
an  officer  as  I ever  knew.  He  fell  in  the  execution  of  my  orders, 
and  in  the  attempt  to  rally  our  men. 


154 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


“ The  troops  posted  in  the  centre  were  constantly  under  the  eye 
of  the  commanding  general,  and  their  movements  and  bearing  during 
the  battle  are  better  known  to  him  ,than  myself.  I think  it  proper, 
however,  to  bear  witness  with  him  to  the  particular  good  conduct 
of  the  1st  Illinois  volunteers,  under  Colonel  Hardin,  and,  after  his 
death,  under  Colonel  Weatherford ; of  the  2d  Illinois  volunteers, 
under  Colonel  Bissell ; and  the  2d  Kentucky  infantry,  under  Colo- 
nel McKee,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay,  and  after  their  death,  under 
Major  Fry.  These  regiments  suffered  greatly  in  the  contest,  and 
were  ably  and  gallantly  led  on  by  their  officers,  as  their  number, 
names,  and  rank  of  the  killed  wdll  abundantly  testify. 

“I  also  desire  to  express  my  high  admiration,  and  to  offer  my 
warmest  thanks  to  Captains  Washington,  Sherman  and  Brag-g,  and 
Lieutenants  O’Brien  and  Thomas,  and  their  batteries;  to  whose 
services  at  this  point,  and  on  every  other  part  of  the  field,  I think 
it  but  justice  to  say,  we  are  mainly  indebted  for  the  great  victory  so 
successfully  achieved  by  our  arms  over  the  great  force  opposed  to 
us  — more  than  twenty  thousand  men  and  seventeen  pieces  of 
artillery.  Without  our  artillery  we  would  not  have  maintained  our 
position  a single  hour. 

“ Brigadier-General  Lane  was  very  active  and  prompt  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  duty,  and  rendered  good  service  throughout  the  day. 
He  reports,  among  many  others,  Colonel  Lane  and  the  3d  Indiana 
regiment  as  having  done  themselves  great  credit.  To  Colonel 
Davis  and  the  Mississippi  regiment  under  his  command,  whose  ser- 
vices were  conspicuous  in  the  open  engagements  on  the  rear  of  our 
left,  great  credit  is  due  for  the  part  they  performed,  and  much  praise 
for  their  conspicuous  gallantry,  which  caused  them  to  be  a rallying 
point  for  the  force  that  was  driven  in  from  the  left,  and  wffio,  in  con- 
nection with  the  3d  Indiana  regiment,  and  a fragment  of  the  2d 
Indiana,  under  its  gallant  colonel,  constituted  almost  the  only  in- 
fantry opposed  to  the  heavy  column  of  the  enemy. 

“ Colonel  Marshall  rendered  gallant  and  important  services,  both 
as  the  commander  of  the  riflemen  in  the  mountains,  where  he  and 
his  men  were  very  effectual,  and  as  the  commander  of  the  cavalry 
companies  of  his  regiment,  in  connection  with  those  of  the  Arkan- 
sas regiment,  under  Colonel  Yell,  and  after  his  death,  under  Lieu- 
.iCnant-Colonel  Roane,  (who  commanded  them  in  a gallant  manner,) 
in  their  operations  against  the  enemy’s  lancers.  Colonel  Marshall 


CORPS  AND  OFFICERS  DISTINGUISHED. 


155 


reports  that  Lieutenant-Colonel  Field  was  everywhere  during  the 
battle,  and  equal  entirely  to  his  station,  and  rendered  the  most  es- 
sential assistance.  • 

“ Brevet  Lieutenant-Colonel  May,  2d  dragoons,  with  the  squadron 
of  the  1st  and  2d  dragoons,  and  Captain  Pike’s  squadron  of  Arkan- 
sas cavalry^  and  a section  of  artillery,  admirably  served  by  Lieu- 
tenant Reynolds,  3d  artillery,  played  an  important  part  in  checking 
and  dispersing  the  enemy  in  the  rear  of  our  left.  They  retired  be- 
fore him  whenever  he  approached  them.  The  gallant  Captain 
Steen,  whilst  rallying,  under  the  orders  of  the  commanding  general, 
some  men  running  from  the  field  of  battle,  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  thigh. 

“Major  McCulloch,  quartermaster,  in  command  of  a Texas  spy 
company,  has,  on  the  field,  and  in  all  the  reconnoissances  for  seve- 
ral days  previous  to  the  contest,  given  me  great  assistance  and 
valuable  information. 

“ Though  belonging  to  the  staff  of  the  major-general  command- 
ing, yet  the  very  important  and  valuable  services  of  Major  Mans- 
field, to  whom  I am  greatly  indebted  for  the  aid  I received  from  his 
untiring  exertions,  activity,  and  extensive  information,  as  well  as  for 
his  gallant  bearing  during  the  days  and  nights  of  the  21st,  22d, 
23d  and  24th,  give  me  the  privilege  of  expressing  to  the  com- 
manding general  my  entire  admiration  of  this  accomplished  officer’s 
conduct.. 

“My  thanks  are  also  due  to  Major  Monroe,  chief  of  artillery,  for 
the  services  rendered  by  him  on  the  field,  as  chief  of  artillery,  and 
for  his  exertions  in  rallying  the  men  at  Buena  Vista,  and  disposing 
of  them  at  that  place,  to  meet  the  attack  of  the  enemy’s  lancers. 
Paymaster  Dix  and  Captain  Leonard  rendered  very  valuable  aid 
by  their  gallantry  in  rallying  the  troops.  Lieutenant  Renham,  en- 
gineer, was  very  gallant,  zealous,  and  efficient  at  all  times,  night 
and  day,  in  the  performance  of  the  important  duties  with  which  he 
was  charged. 

' “ Of  my  stafi’  I cannot  speak  in  too  high  terms ; their  devotion  to 
duty  at  all  times,  day  and  night,  and  their  activity  and  gallant  bear- 
ing on  the  21st,  22d,  23d,  and  24th,  not  only  command  my  admi- 
ration, but  is  worthy  of  all  praise. 

# ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ if:  ^ * 

“ T cannot  close  my  report  without  expressing,  officially  and  for- 


156 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


mally,  as  I have  heretofore  done  personally  to  the  major-general 
commanding,  the  feelings  of  gratitude  I have  for  the  confidence  and 
• extreme  consideration  which  have  marked  all  his  acts  towards  me ; 
which  have  given  me  additional  motives  for  exertion,  and  increased 
zeal  in  the  execution  of  the  responsible  duties  with  which  I have 
been  charged. 

“The  forces  engaged  in  the  great  battle  of  the  22d  and  23d 
ultimo,  were  as  follows 

“ The  United  States  troops,  commanded  by  Major-General  Taylor, 
amounted  to  only  four  thousand  six  hundred  and  ten,  including 
officers. 

“The  forces  under  the  command  of  General  Santa  Anna  amount- 
ed to  twenty-two  thousand.  Some  of  the  Mexican  officers  taken 
prisoners  stated  the  number  to  be  twenty-four  thousand,  exclusive 
of  artillery.  This  number,  I presume,  included  General  Minon’s 
cavalry,  reported  to  be  from  two  to  three  thousand. 

“ The  army  is  represented  to  be  in  a disorganized  state,  and  that 
the  Josses  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  by  desertion,  exceed  six  thou- 
sand men.  The  dead,  the  dying,  and  the  wounded  in  a starving 
condition,  everywhere  to  be  seen  on  its  route,  bespeak  a hurried  re- 
treat and  extreme  distress,” 

A writer,  already  quoted,  gives  the  following  account  of  Wool’s 
conduct  in  the  battle,  together  with  many  interesting  incidents : 

“ Our  general  was  encamped  on  the  5th  ult.,  with  Colonel  Bissell 
and  Captain  Washington,  on  the  heights  above  and  to  the  south  of 
Saltillo,  the  rest  of  the  army  being  distributed  through  the  valley, 
still  watching  the  passes  to  San  Luis,  when  he  who  is  called  by  his 
devoted  soldiers  Old  Rough  and  Ready,  came  up  with  Bragg’s  and 
Sherman’s  batteries  and  Colonel  Davis’  Mississippi  regiment.  He 
expressed  great  satisfaction  and  pleasure  with  our  discipline  and  the 
manner  in  which  General  Wool  had  ‘brought  us  up.’  By  command 
of  General  Worth,  General  Lane,  with  his  Indianians,  and  Lieute- 
nant Kingsbury,  had  built  a very  good  fort  on  the  heights  of  Sal- 
tillo, and  in  it  Captain  Webster’s  two  twenty-four-pound  howitzers, 
with  smaller  pieces,  were  placed,  and  commanded  every  building  in 
the  city  below,  as  well  as  the  whole  plain  from  mountain  to  moun- 
tain, east  and  west. 

“On  the  8th  of  February,  the  whole  army  with  General  Taylor, 


MAJORS  BORLAND,  GAINES,  ETC.,  CAPTURED.  157 

except  four  companies  of  Illinois,  left  to  guard  the  town,  lay  in  camp 
at  Agua  Nueva,  and  here  our  generals  patiently  awaited  the  arrival 
of  new  levies,  which  they  hoped  would  make  their  forces  ten  thou- 
sand strong,  and  forty  days’  provisions,  to  enable  us  to  march  for 
Santa  Anna’s  stronghold,  San  Luis  Potosi,  three  hundred  miles 
south  of  Saltillo.  General  Taylor  expected  to  be  ready  for  the 
march  on  the  1st  of  April.  But  for  a long  tim.e  the  signs  had  been 
thickening,  that  the  Mexican  dictator  was  aiming  a blow  at  us,  the 
Voluntarios,  as  composed  of  more  conquerable  stuff  than  the  regu- 
lars under  Scott.  On  the  22d  of  January,  Majors  Borland  and 
Gaines,  Captain  C.  M.  Clay,  and  Lieutenant  Davidson,  with  eighty 
men,  were  at  Incarnacion,  sixty  miles  from  Saltillo,  on  the  San  Luis 
road,  scouting,  when  they  were  suddenly  surrounded  in  the  night  by 
three  thousand  lancers  under  General  Minon,  taken  prisoners  in  the 
morning,  and  marched  off  for  the  city  of  Mexico.  Soon  after  this, 
Captain  Eddy,  of  Kentucky,  with  seventeen  men  on  picket  guard, 
was  captured  in  the  same  manner  — a manner  little  creditable  to 
soldiers. 

“ Our  pickets  were  several  times  driven  in,  and  the  enemy’s 
cavalry  frequently  hovered  around  us  on  the  south  and  east,  to  cut 
off  small  parties.  Many  of  the  citizens  suddenly  became  sullen  to- 
w^ards  the  Americanos^  who  had  scattered  money  among  them  with 
so  lavish  a hand.  Three  men  were  missing  out  of  the  Arkansas 
regiment,  one  of  whom  was  found  on  the  9th  ult.,  near  the  camp, 
dead,  with  a lasso  around  his  neck,  and  presenting  a horrid  specta- 
cle. For  this  act  of  an  unknown  criminal,  a few  comrades  of  the 
deceased,  on  the  next  day,  took  a frantic  and  senseless  revenge,  by 
shooting  down  in  cold  blood  about  thirty  unarmed  Mexicans,  who, 
with  their  families,  had  abandoned  the  ranch,  and  were  living  in  the 
mountains  under  cover  of  trees  and  bushes,  to  cut  wood,  as  they 
said,  for  sale  in  our  camp.  Some  Illinois  infantry  saved  the  greater 
part  of  these  poor  people  from  massacre.  Generals  Taylor  and  Wool 
were  greatly  enraged  at  the  act,  and  branded  it  in  general  orders  as 
a cruel  and  cowardly  outrage.  Meanwhile  a black  cloud  was  gather- 
ing up  from  San  Luis,  soon  to  burst  upon  our  heads  in  storm  and 
thunder.  On  the  20th  ult..  Colonel  May,  Captain  Howard,  and 
Lieutenant  O’Brien,  with  a scouting  party  at  Idionda,  twenty-five 
miles  south-east,  took  a Mexican,  who  said  that  Santa  Anna  wa 
advancing  upon  us  from  Incarnacion.  They  came  into  camp  early 
14 


158 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


on  the  morning  of  the  21st,  with  this  intelligence,  which  many  things 
conspired  to  stamp  with  truth.  Having  breakfasted,  the  army  lei- 
surely retreated  to  Buena  Vista,  fourteen  miles,  and  there  took  posi- 
tion. All  the  infantry  except  Colonel  Hardin,  who  remained  in  the 
centre  of  our  line  at  the  pass  of  Buena  Vista,  encamped  at  the  ranch, 
whither  our  wagons,  which  had  returned  to  Agua  Nueva  for  the 
rest  of  our  provisions  in  camp,  came  back  in  the  night  with  hot 
haste.  Colonel  Yell,  by  order  of  General  Taylor,  had  remained 
there  until  near  night,  when  he  was  attacked  by  the  advanced  guard 
of  the  enemy.  Destroying  such  provisions  and  wagons  as  he  could 
not  carry  off,  he  retired  to  our  position.  On  the  next  day,  the  birth- 
day of  Washington,  in  the  morning.  Colonels  Bissell  and  McKee, 
with  their  respective  regiments,  and  General  Lane  wdth  his  brigade, 
marched  out  to  meet  the  enemy.  We  left  our  tents  standing,  and 
our  baggage  and  provisions,  which  were  in  the  ranch,  unguarded, 
except  by  teamsters,  and  one  man  more.  Major  Roman,  commissary. 
Our  force  on  the  field  varied  little  from  four  thousand  men.  That 
of  Santa  Anna  was  twenty-four  thousand,  as  all  concur  in  stating. 
The  mountains  on  each  side  of  our  position  stand  two  miles  apart, 
and  are  high  and  difficult  of  ascent.  Our  flanks  rested  upon  them. 
The  centre  occupied  the  road,  with  Washington’s  battery  behind  a 
slight  breastwork  of  earth ; above,  a little  on  the  left  and  in  advance 
of  which.  Colonel  Hardin  was  posted,  on  a high  conical  hill,  behind 
a low  breastwork  of  stone.  His  office  was  to  guard  this  battery  on 
the  road  below.  On  a level  with  this  hill,  to  the  left,  was  an  elevated 
plain  or  table-land,  terminating  at  the  road  in  high  bluffs,  and  cut 
up  in  front  and  rear  of  our  line,  as  well  as  on  its  right,  by  very  deep, 
wide  ravines,  dry,  with  sloping  sides,  and  running  for  the  most  part 
at  right  angles  with  the  mountain,  and  parallel  with  our  line  of  bat- 
tle. Here  was  our  left  wing.  Our  right  was  posted  on  a low  allu- 
vion, cut  up  in  nearly  all  directions  by  deep  precipitous  ravines,  now 
dry,  which  in  the  rainy  season  receive  and  convey  the  mountain 
torrents.  This  low  ground  was  commanded  as  far  as  the  mountain, 
and  could  be  swept  by  our  cannon  on  the  road.  Near  to  and  about 
parallel  with  the  mountain  on  the  right,  a creek  with  high  and  per 
pendicular  banks  ran  to  the  north,  between  which  and  the  mountain 
the  Kentuckians  of  Colonel  McKee,  with  two  of  Bragg’s  cannon, 
were  posted  on  the  22d,  and  remained  there  till  the  morning  of  the 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA.  159 

23d,  when,  finding  nothing  to  do  on  the  right,  they  abandoned  this 
position  and  rushed  into  the  battle,  then  raging  on  our  left. 

“ It  became  evident  on  the  22d,  that  the  high  plain  was  to  be  the 
principal  field  of  battle.  Most  of  that  day  was  spent  by  Santa  Anna 
in  throwing  a large  force  of  infantry,  under  General  Ampudia,  into 
the  mountain  to  our  left,  for  the  purpose  of  gaining  our  rear.  At 
four  o’clock  P.  M.  of  the  22d,  the  battle  began,  with  a cannonade 
on  our  right  and  centre,  followed  soon  after  by  a sharp  engagement 
in  the  mountain  to  our  left,  between  Kentucky  riflemen  from  Colonel 
Marshall’^  mounted  regiment  and  the  flankers  of  Ampudia,  at  least 
three  thousand  strong.'^  The  mountain  sides  to  the  top  seemed  alive 
with  the  enemy,  whose  bright  English  muskets  glistened  in  the 
rays  of  the  setting  sun. 

“ Night  came,  and  all  was  still,  save  the  hum  of  voices  from  the 
two  opposing  armies,  bivouacked  within  musket-shot  of  each  other. 
Had  our  forces  been  a little  larger,  that  night  would  have  seen  the 
destruction  of  Santa  Anna’s  army.  But  our  only  safety  lay  in  an 
obstinate  defence  of  our  position.  Early  in  the  morning  of  the  23d 
the  ball  opened.  The  2d  of  Illinois,  Colonel  Bissell,  occupied  the 
right  of  the  plain,  his  right  resting  on  the  head  of  a ravine,  and  well 
guryjfled  by  Bragg’s  and  Sherman’s  artillery.  On  his  left  were 
O’Brien’s  three  pieces,  detached  from  Washington’s  battery ; and 
still  further  to  our  left,  next  to  the  mountain,  stood  the  2d  of  In- 
diana, Colonel  Bowles,  with  General  Lane  and  his  staff.  The  3d 
of  Indiana,  Colonel  Lane,  and  Colonel  Davis’  well-tried  Mississip- 
pians,  were  held  in  reserve.  Behind  our  line,  and  sheltered  by  a 
ravine  from  the  heavy  artillery  of  the  enemy,  (much  heavier  than 
ours,)  was  our  cavalry.  The  battle  to-day  was  opened  by  our  rifle- 
men in  the  mountains,  who  renewed  the  attack  which  they  com- 
menced the  evening  before.  ”To  their  assistance  was  soon  sent  the 
rifle  battalion  of  the  2d  Illinois,  three  companies  under  Major  Trail. 
Here  the  blows  of  our  men  were  soon  felt  by  the  enemy,  who  stood 
at  bay,  at  a respectful  distance  from  their  rifles. 

“The  main  force  of  Santa  Anna  soon  advanced  against  us  on  the 
plain,  while  their  artillery  played  upon  our  ranks  on  the  left.  The 
infantry  came  on  in  admirable  order,  crossing  one  deep  ravine  after 
another  in  our  front,  and  deploying  out  of  them  into  line,  with  a re- 
gularity that  excited  our  admiration,  and  must  have  struck  the  fancy 
of  our  two  regular  geneials.  Their  eight  columns  of  regiments,  ad- 


160  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 

vancing  in  line,  looked  formidable  indeed.  As  the  enemy  rose  out 
of  the  first  ravine  in  our  front,  they  opened  their  fire  upon  us  of  the 
2d  Illinois,  which  we  received  some  time  without  returning,  and  ad- 
vanced a short  way  in  it ; but  which,  when  we  did  return  it,  quickly 
slackened.  The  ranks  immediately  before  us  soon  staggered  under 
our  fire,  and  were  ripe  for  a charge  of  bayonets  by  us,  when  the  2d 
Indiana,  on  our  left,  was  seen  in  base/  inglorious  flight.'  General 
Lane,  and  his  aid,  Mr.  Robinson,  strove  in  vain  to  rally  them.  The 
general  had,  just  before  this  disgraceful  rout,  replied  to  an  officer 
who  suggested  a retreat  — ‘ Retreat ! No ; I wilf  charge  Aem  with 
the  bayonet.’  Many  of  thi^  ‘ flying  infantry’  ran  to  the  ranch,  many 
to  town,  and  some,  the  bearers  of  ill-tidings,  may  have  run,  for  aught 
I know,  to  the  United  States.  The  enemy  now  charged  O’Brien’s 
guns,  of  which  they  took  one  ; and  our  left  being  turned,  were  con- 
centrating their  fire  upon  our  single  regiment  with  destructive  effect. 
By  command  of  Colonel  Churchill,  Colonel  Bissell  ordered  his  ranks 
to  cease  firing  and  retreat  to  the  ravine  in  our  rear;  which  order  was 
several  times  repeated  amidst  the  rattling  volleys  before  it  could  be 
heard  and  obeyed.  Rallying  out  of  the  ravine  to  the  right  behind 
the  artillery,  which  was  now  ploughing  through  the  advancing 
columns  of  the  enemy,  we  quickly  joined  the  Kentuckians  msider 
Colonel  McKee,  and  with  them  drove  back  the  enemy’s  left  with 
slaughter  into  the  ravines,  where  many  of  them  were  killed  and 
wounded.  But  on  our  left  the  enemy  were  victorious,  and  were 
fast  pushing  into  our  rear.  Their  flankers  in  the  mountains  rushed 
forward  to  surround  our  riflemen,  and  the  swarms  of  lancers  driving 
before  them  the  Arkansas  cavalry,  whom  Colonel  Yell  in  vain  called 
upon  and  adjured  to  follow  him  to  the  charge. 

“Our  brave  skirmishers  from  the  mountains  were  on  the  point 
of  being  exterminated,  when  Colonels  Yell  and  Marshall,  with  a 
few  companies  and  the  dragoons  of  Captain  Stern’s  squadron, 
slightly  checked  the  career  of  the  lancers,  and  enabled  the  greater 
part  of  our  riflemen  to  retreat  to  the  ranch.  About  this  time.  Captain 
Stern  was  struck  with  a grape-shot  and  compelled  to  retire.  The 
gallant  and  good  old  captain  was  greatly  missed  throughout  the 
day.  Here,  with  many  others,  fell  Lieutenant  Price  of  Illinois, 
seventy-two  years  old.  Captain  Conner,  of  the  rifles,  was  attacked 
by  three  lancers,  and  saved  himself  by  his  skill  with  the  sword. 

“ The  lancers  still  made  head  against  our  cavalry,  and  drove  them 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


161 


to  Buena  Vista,  where  they  were  finally  repulsed,  after  charging 
and  dispersing  the  Arkansas  regiment,  with  the  loss  of  its  noble 
colonel.  May,  with  the  dragoons,  now  came  up,  and  with  our 
riflemen  and  two  pieces  of  artillery,  soon  drove  back  the  main  body 
of  the  lancers.  But  in  the  mean  time,  a large  brigade  of  Mexican 
infantry  had  gained  our  rear,  and  a large  force  of  lancers  had  gone 
by  our  left  to  attack  Saltillo,  in  conjunction  with  General  Minon  on 
the  north.  These  last  were  quickly  repelled  by  our  cannon  in  the 
front,  and  were  chased  a considerable  distance  back,  by  infantry 
from  the  town  with  a small  cannon.  The  Mississippi  infantry  now 
marched  to  attack  that  of  the  enemy  in  our  rear,  drawn  up  along 
the  base  of  the  mountain,  and  gave  them  battle  with  a gallantry  and 
steadiness  worthy  of  veterans.  They  were  soon  joined  by  the  3d 
of  Indiana,  and  a large  part  of  the  tarnished  2d,  who  had  rallied  and 
returned  to  the  conflict.  General  Lane  was  in  command  here, 
though  wounded  early  in  the  morning.  The  battle  was  bloody, 
obstinate,,  and  long-continued.  Two  pieces  of  artillery,  with  our 
rallied  riflemen  under  Major  Wall,  came  up  to  the  left,  and  attacked 
the  right  of  the  Mexican  line  with  great  effect.  With  this  squad, 
for  a short  time,  was  General  Wool,  cool  and  collected,  directing  the 
fire  of  the  artillery  and  men,  and  placing  them  in  the  best  positions. 
The  battle  on  the  plain,  meanwhile,  was  confined  to  artillery,  of 
which  the  enemy  had  planted  a battery  on  our  left,  and  alongside 
of  which  was  the  main  body  of  the  infantry.  On  the  flanks  of  our 
artillery,  opposed  to  that  of  the  enemy,  were  Colonels  Hardin,  Bis- 
sell,  and  McKee,  ready  to  repel  an  expected  charge  of  the  Mexican 
infantry,  and  in  full  view  of  the  splendid  contest  going  on  in  our 
rear.  Colonel  Hardin,  on  finding  that  all  the  attacks  by  lancers  on 
Washington’s  battery  were  feints,  and  that  the  stream  of  battle  flow- 
ed only  on  our  side  of  the  field,  left  his  hill  and  came  with  a portion 
of  his  regiment  to  the  plain.  With  us  was  young  Clay,  whose  firm- 
set  countenance  and  eye  of  fire,  called  up  in  memory  his  eloquent 
father  in  the  height  of  an  oratorical  triumph. 

“At  length,  about  three  o’clock  P.  M.,  we  saw  the  Mexican  force 
in  our  rear  begin  to  falter  and  retrace  their  steps,  under  the  well- 
directed  shot  of  our  ranks  of  marksmen,  and  the  artillery  still  pour- 
ing its  iron  death-bolts  into  their  right.  Their  lancers,  who  had 
taken  refuge  behind  their  infantry,  and  there  watched  the  progress 
of  the  fight,  made  one  desperate  charge  to  turn  the  fortune  of  the 
14^ 


162  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 

day  by  breaking  the  line  of  Indiana  and  Mississippi.  But  the  cool, 
steady  volunteers,  sent  them  with  carnage  and  confusion  to  Santa 
Anna,  on  the  plain  above,  with  the  report  that  our  reserve  was  five 
thousand  strong,  and  filled  all  the  ravines  in  our  rear.  The  retreat 
of  their  infantry,  which  paused  for  a moment,  was  now  hastened  by 
the  repulse  of  the  lancers,  but  still  under  a galling  fire.  They  march- 
ed back  in  excellent  order.  While  making  their  toilsome  and  bloody 
way  back,  with  their  men  falling  at  every  step,  Santa  Anna  practised 
a ruse,  to  which  any  French  or  English  officer  would  have  scorned 
to  resort.  He  exhibited  a flag  of  truce,  and  sent  it  across  the  plain 
to  our  right,  where  stood  our  generals.  The  heralds  first  asked  what 
troops  we  were  ; and  one  officer,  a volunteer  too,  had  the  folly  to  say 
we  were  regulars,  ‘ troupos  de  ligne.^  They  then  asked  General 
Taylor  what  terms  he  had  to  propose.  ‘ I demand  that  General 
Santa  Anna  surrender  himself  and  his  whole  army  prisoners  of  war; 
I will  release  them  on  parole’ — was  his  reply.  In  the  morning  Santa 
Anna  had  summoned  Taylor  to  surrender,  representing  the  folly  of 
resistance  with  volunteers  against  his  overwhelming  force  of  regu- 
lars^ The  old  hero  then  replied,  ‘ we  are  here,  come  and  get  us.’ 
The  tables  were  now  turning.  The  bearers  of  the  flag  asked  what 
time  they  could  have  to  consider  these  terms' — ‘ An  hour  V ‘ Not 
half  that  time,’  exclaimed  our  second  in  command,  who  may  be 
called  Old  Ready  as  well  as  our  first ; ‘ not  half  that  time.’  ‘ Take 
thirty  minutes,’  said  our  chief.  The  flag  returned  to  the  Mexican 
army,  accompanied  by  General  Wool.  By  this  time  the  detachment 
in  our  rear,  to  save  which  the  flag  was  exhibited,  had  nearly  gained 
the  plain,  still,  however,  under  the  fire  of  General  Lane,  who  did 
not  intermit  for  a moment  his  terrible  blows  upon  the  retreating 
enemy.  At  length  they  joined  the  main  army.  The  cannonade  had 
recommenced  on  the  side  of  the  enemy  against  us,  with  the  return 
of  the  flag,  and  was  quickly  answered  by  our  ‘ mortal  engines.’ 
Soon  afterwards  their  whole  army  commenced  an  orderly  retreat 
^ along  the  base  of  the  mountains.  Now  came  a disastrous  movement. 
Colonel  Hardin  called  his  men  to  a charge  on  the  retiring  enemy. 
Colonels  McKee  and  Bissell,  under  the  influence  of  his  example, 
and  willing  to  share  his  fate,  seconded  the  movement,  and  marched 
with  their  men  against  ten  times.our  numbers.  Our  batteries  took  a 
nearer  position  and  continued  their  fire.  O’Brien,  with  his  two  re- 
maining guns  on  our  left,  accompanied  us  to  the  middle  of  the  plain. 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA. 


163 


where  he  opened  on  the  enemy.  We  continued  to  advance,  when 
the  Mexicans,  wheeling  into  line,  poured  upon  us,  not  yet  formed 
into  line,  a fire  such  as  no  ranks  ever  withstood.  At  the  same  time 
their  lancers,  in  immense  squadrons,  attacked  our  right,  while  their 
whole  line  of  infantry  advanced  upon  us  in  rapid,  regular  march. 

“Their  discipline  is  wonderfully  perfect.  Had  they  been  less 
eager  to  kill  and  plunder  our  wounded,  and  had  their  officers  known 
the  value  of  minutes,  and  how  to  improve  them,  the  day  had  been 
lost  to  us  in  blood  and  horror ; for  they  gave  no  quarter.  Lieutenant 
Robbins  surrendered,  and  was  stabbed  dead  with  his  own  sword. 
The  same  fate  befell  Lieutenant  Leanhart  in  the  morning,  and  many 
others  during  the  day.  We  retreated  fighting  to  the  head  of  a ravine 
far  to  right  of  our  batteries,  and  in  advance  of  our  line  in  the  morn- 
ing. O’Brien’s  batteries  and  most  of  his  gunners  were  gone.  We 
made  a short  stand  at  the  head  of  this  ravine,  where  McKee,  Hardin, 
and  Clay  fell,  and  then  ran  a gauntlet  through  it,  of  three-quarters 
of  a mile,  in  the  midst  of  shot  from  both  sides,  to  the  road  where 
Washington’s  battery  stopped  the  pursuit,  and  saved  many.  I,  with 
a few  others,  went  down  a shorter  ravine,  leading  into  the  road 
nearer  the  battery,  and  climbing  Hardin’s  hill,  we  were  soon  greeted 
with  the  appearance  of  Colonel  Bissell,  safe  and  unhurt.  Mean  time. 
General  Lane,  with  Colonels  Davis  and  Lane,  and  the  Monterey 
heroes  of  Mississippi,  the  gallant  Indianians,  and  the  Illinois  pioneers 
under  their  sergeant  McFarland,  rose  upon  the  plain,  from  their 
victory  in  the  rear,  and  in  full  view  of  our  rout,  with  their  scathing 
volleys  called  off  the  vultures  from  the  massacre  and  plunder  of  the 
fallen.  Following  these  up,  with  the  American  yell,  so  terrifying 
to  Mexican  hearts,  they  quickly  put  their  discipline  to  a severe  proof 
to  save  their  own  army  from  a total  rout.  They  formed,  however, 
rapidly,  and  renewed  the  battle,  when  General  Lane  fell  off  to  our 
left  to  protect  our  artillery,  whose  thunders,  above  all  other  sounds, 
incessantly  and  without  pause,  continued  to  drown  the  groans  of  the 
wounded,  and  to  chant  the  requiem  of  the  dead,  carrying  death  upon 
their  bolts  through  the  solid  ranks  of  Santa  Anna. 

“ As  soon  as  I had  found  a breathing  place,  the  shrill  voice  of 
General  Wool  was  heard,  calling  in  trumpet  tones,  ‘Illinois,  Illinois, 
to  the  rescue ; out,  my  brave  boys,  out  and  defend  our  batteries.’ 
So  complete  had  been  our  rout,  and  the  dispersion  of  the  2cl  of  Illi- 
nois, which,  with  six  companies,  had  in  the  morning  kept  her  iron 


164 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


ranks  against  the  whole  Mexican  line,  that  now  only  four  men  of 
the  regiment  were  within  hearing  of  this  appeal,  who  answered  it 
by  rallying  instantly,  with  a few  Kentuckians  and  Illinoians  of  the 
1st,  to  repel,  v^zith  General  Lane,  a threatened  charge.  These  four 
men  were,  private  Harman  Busch,  corporal  Charles  Gooding,  a lieu- 
tenant, and  Colonel  Bissell.  I mention  the  last  with  greater  plea- 
sure, because  he  is  a true  man,  a good  officer,  a native  of  your  state, 
and  my  colonel.  Our  force  augmented  swiftly  with  the  rallying 
fugitives  ; but  Santa  Anna  judged  it  prudent  not  to  make  this  charge, 
and  thus  to  save  a part  of  his  army  for  other  fields.  Had  he  made 
it,  I cannot  bring  myself  to  doubt  as  to  the  result,  when  I consider 
the  exasperated  mind  of  every  survivor  among  us,  inflamed  to  the 
highest  and  bitterest  resentment  for  the  wanton  murders  of  the 
wounded  and  vanquished,  committed  under  our  eyes  throughout 
the  day.  We  had  now  determined  to  conquer  or  to  die. 

“ Santa  Anna  resumed  his  retreat.  Still  under  the  fire  of  our 
artillery,  and  in  good  order,  he  recrossed  the  ravines,  out  of  which- 
he  had  marched  upon  us  in  the  morning.  His  bivouack  was  a little 
in,  advance  of  our  position  till  about  midnight,  when  he  retired  to 
Agua  Nueva,  and  thence,  on  the  26th  ult.,  marched  for  San  Luis 
Potosi.  He  admitted  his  loss  to  have  been  four  thousand  killed, 
wounded  and  missing,  of  whom,  certainly,  not  half  were  deserters. 
We  exchanged  his  prisoners  for  C.  M.  Clay  and  the  others  taken 
in  January,  whom  he  promised  to  send  to  Vera  Cruz.  Our  killed 
and  wounded  were  seven  hundred.  The  despatches  have  already 
informed  you  who  they  are.  The  letter  is  now  so  long  that  I must 
close  with  a brief  notice  of  a few  of  the  dead,  reserving  the  most 
recent  events  for  another  epistle. 

“ Captain  Lincoln,  so  distinguished  at  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la 
Palma,  was  shot  through  the  head  early  in  the  day,  while  rallying 
us,  and  fell  from  his  horse,  near  me,  into  the  arms  of  Captain  Raith. 
He  was  a gallant  New  Englander,  and  stood  high  in  the  esteem  of 
all.  He  was  adjutant  to  General  Wool. 

“ Colonel  Hardin  was  slain  by  lancers,  near  where,  and  soon  after 
McKee  and  Clay  were  shot.  He  was  an  excellent  officer,  a good 
lawyer,  and  a man  of  talent.  His  character  and  fate  bear  a strong 
similitude  to  that  of  Colonel  Davies,  who  fell  at  Tippecanoe. 

“ Colonel  McKee,  whom  I did  not  know,  is  much  regretted  in 


BATTLE  OF  BUENA  VISTA.  IQ  j 

the  army,  and  his  character  spoken  of,  universally,  in  the  most  ex- 
alted terms. 

“ It  was  never  my  fortune  to  know  a more  kind-hearted,  chivalric 
and  accomplished  gentleman,  than  Colonel  Yell  of  Arkansas.  He 
fell  with  Captain  Porter,  in  a hand-to-hand  conflict  with  lancers,  but 
feebly  supported  by  his  regiment.  None  knew  him  but  to  love  him; 
none  named  him  but  to  praise. 

“ Lieutenant  William  Price,  of  our  Illinois  rifle  battalion,  was 
slain  by  lancers  while  retreating  from  the  mountains,  after  our  left 
was  turned  in  the  morning.  The  frost  of  seventy-two  winters  had 
silvered  his  hairs,  and  he  had  left  a home  of  affluence  and  ease, 
with  the  expressed  wish  to  die  in  the  service  of  his  country,  and  if 
need  be,  on  the  field  of  battle.  ‘They  cannot  cheat  me  out  of 
many  years,’  said  he.  When  ordered  with  the  battalion,  like  a for- 
lorn hope,  to  the  trying  contest  in  the  mountains,  he  exclaimed  with 
a look  of  joy,  as  he  drew  his  swmrd,  ‘Now  boys,  this  looks  like 
doing^  something.’  The  enemy  triumphed  over  his  fall,  supposing 
him  to  be  General  Wool;  and  some  prisoners  taken  soon  after  said 
that  General  Taylor  alone  was  left  to  save  us.  They  judged  erro- 
neously of  us  from  themselves,  and  would  have  found  us  an  army 
still,  though  deprived  of  our  three  generals. 

“Lieutenant-Colonel  Henry  Clay,  jr.,  was  much  lamented.  His 
manners,  voice,  and  features  reminded  the  observer  strongly  of  his 
father.  You  saw  the  suavity,  ease,  and  dignity  of  his  carriage  and 
deportment  in  them  both.  The  statesman  of  Kentucky  will  sav 
with  old  Siw^ard : 

“ ‘ My  son  has  paid  a soldier’s  debt, 

In  the  unshrinking  station  where  he  fought. 

Had  I as  many  sons  as  L have  heirs, 

I would  not  wish  them  a fairer  death: 

And  so  his  knell  is  knolled.’ 

“ In  the  same  part  of  the  field,  and  about  the  same  time  with  Clay, 
McKee,  and  Hardin,  another  fell,  pierced  by  a lance,  whose  name 
is  worthy  of  a place  in  the  rolls  of  fame — Private  Alexander  Konze, 
of  company  H.,  2d  regiment  of  Illinois.  The  writer  was  honoured 
with  his  friendship,  and  had  an  opportunity  of  knowing  him  well, 
being  a member  of  the  same  company  and  his  tent-mate.  His  con- 
duct on  the  field  was  most  soldierly,  cool,  calm,  deliberate,  and 
prompt  in  obeying  orders.  His  courage  was  conspicuous,  even  in 


166  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 

the  moment  of  his  death,  when  he  refused  to  surrender.  Except  a 
brother  in  South  America,  he  left  no  relatives  on  this  continent.  His 
widowed  mother  lives  in  Bueckeburg,  in  Hanover,  near  to  his  native 
city — Hamburg.  He  received  a splendid  education  at  the  universi- 
ties of  Jena  and  Goettingen.  He  had  been  but  a year  in  the  United 
States  when  he  joined  our  regiment  in  Alton,  whither  he  had  come 
to  volunteer,  from  Wisconsin.  His  motives  in  taking  this  step  were 
that  he  might  serve  the  country,  whose  constitution  he  respected 
before  all  other  systems  of  government,  and  gratify  his  curiosity  in 
a new  mode  of  life,  by  seeing  Mexico,  and  observing  as  he  did  with 
a philosophic  eye,  the  character  of  her  people  and  institutions.  The 
writer  promised  much  pleasure  to  himself  in  travelling  with  him 
through  this  country.  He  was  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  and  pro- 
bably the  most  learned  man  in  the  army.  His  knowledge  of  philo- 
logy was  accurate  and  profound.  Such  was  his  familiarity  with  the 
Latin,  that  by  one  day’s  examination  of  a Spanish  grammar,  he  was 
able  to  read  this  cognate  language  with  facility.  Many  pleasant 
hours  have  we  spent  together  in  rambling  over  the  plains  and 
mountains  of  Mexico,  while  he  filled  his  haversack  with  new  plants 
to  send  to  Germany,  and  which  his  knowledge  of  botany  often  en- 
abled him  to  class  in  their  several  genera  and  species. 

“ A better  or  a braver  heart  than  his  never  beat  its  last  on  a field 
of  battle.  While  awaiting  upon  the  field,  on  the  night  of  the  23d 
of  February,  the  renewal  of  the  attack  by  Santa  Anna,  the  thought 
was  most  consolatory  to  several  of  his  comrades,  that  death  on  the 
next  day,  might  make  them  companions  of  Miltiades,  of  Socrates, 
and  of  Konze.  This  man  died  for  a country  of  which  he  was  not 
a citizen ; shall  it  be  said  that  he,  the  republican  son  of  Germany, 
was  not  a true  American  ? May  his  example  animate  the  hearts 
of  those  whom  alone  he  would  acknowledge  as  countrymen — the 
good  and  the  true  of  every  clime  and  country.” 

General  Taylor  did  not  forget  to  accord  due  credit  to  the  con- 
duct of  General  Wool.  In  his  first  hasty  despatch  to  the  depart- 
ment, he  mentions  him  alone.  These  are  his  words  : — “ I may  be 
permitted  here,  however,,  to  acknowledge  my  great  obligations  to 
General  Wool,  the  second  in  command,  to  whom  I feel  particularly 
indebted  for  his  valuable  services  on  this  occasion.”  In  his  enlarged 
report  is  the  following  testimonial : — 

“To  Brigadier-General  Wool  my  obligations  are  especially  due. 


POPULAR  APPROBATION  OF  WOOL.  1G7 

The  high  state  of  discipline  and  instructions  of  several  of,  the  volun- 
teer regiments  was  attained  under  his  command,  and  to  his  vigilance 
and  arduous  service  before  the  action,  and  his  gallantry  and  activity 
on  the  field,  a large  share  of  our  success  may  justly  be  attributed. 
During  most  of  the  engagement  he  was  in  immediate  command  of 
the  troops  thrown  back  on  our  left  flank.  I beg  leave  to  recommend 
him  to  the  favourable  notice  of  the  government.” 

In  addition  to  this  high  recommendation,  we  annex  a preamble 
and  resolutions,  passed  at  a mass  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Troy,  on 
the  10th  of  April,  1847. 

‘‘Whereas,  The  Common  Council  of  the  city  of  Troy  have  (in 
common  with  their  fellow-citizens,)  had  the  great  gratification  of 
hearing,  from  all  quarters,  of  the  courage  and  gallant  bearing  of  our 
townsman,  Brigadier-General  John  E.  Wool,  during  the  hard-fought 
and  nobly-won  field  of  Buena  Vista : 

“ Therefore,  Resolved,  That  General  Wool  has  fully  justified  the 
high  opinion  always  entertained  among  us,  of  his  character  as  an 
accomplished  soldier;  and  his  courage  and  conduct  at  Buena  Vista 
amply  fulfil  the  bright  promise  of  his  first  feat  of  arms  at  Queens- 
town. 

“Resolved,  That  feeling  a just  pride  in  his  renown,  and  desiring 
to  testify  our  high  regard  for  both  the  citizen  and  soldier,  we,  in  the 
name  of  the  city  of  Troy,  present  to  him  a sword,  as  a testimonial 
of  the  place  he  occupies  in  the  esteem  of  those  who  have  known 
him  so  long  and  so  well ; and  as  a memorial,  (though  not  a reward,) 
of  the  distinguished  services  he  has  rendered  to  his  country. 

“Resolved,  That  a committee  of  four  persons  be  appointed  by 
the  mayor — two  from  the  common  council,  and  two  from  the  citi- 
zens .generally,  to  carry  into  effect  the  foregoing  resolution.” 

The  sword,  made  in  accordance  with  a design  from  Brown,  the 
sculptor,  is  thus  described  : — 

“ It  is  a Roman  sword.  The  mountings — hilt  and  scabbard — are 
of  gold.  The  blade  is  two-edged,  broad  and  straight,  about  two 
feet  four  inches  long.  The  hilt  is  surmounted  with  a Roman  helmet. 
On  its  sides  are  figures  of  Hercules  and  Mars.  The  wings  of  the 
American  eagle  are  outspread  beneath  the  guard,  and  on  the  guard 
is  the  following  appropriate  inscription  : 

“‘Presented  by  the  Common  Council  and  Citizens  of  Troy,  N.  Y., 
II 


168 


BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


to  their  townsman,  Brigadier-General  John  E.  Wool,  as  a token  of 
their  personal  esteem,  and  of  their  high  appreciation  of  his  gal- 
lantry and  military  ability,  as  displayed  on  the  bloody  field  of 
Buena  Vista,  on  the  22d  and  23d  days  of  February,  1847.’ 

“ The  scabbard  is  richly  engraved  with  numerous  battle  scenes, 
arms,  and  banners,  and  other  suitable  devices,  and  bears  the  follow- 
ing inscription : 

“‘Queenstown,  Oct.  13,  1812.  Plattsburg,  Sept.  11,  1814. 
Buena  Vista,  Feb.  22  and  23,  1847.’  ” 

The  following  letter  and  accompanying  remarks  will  be  pleasing 
to  every  friend  of  General  Wool.  While  it  accords  due  justice  to 
him,  it  also  shows  that  his  skill  is  as  great  in  selecting  an  advanta- 
geous battle-ground,  as  in  defending  it  when  the  enemy  are  upon 
him. 

“ So  many  persons  have  claimed  the  credit  of  saving  the  day  at 
Buena  Vista,  and  some  in  a most  extraordinary  manner,  and  so 
many  claimants  have  appeared  for  praise  for  the  honour  of  selecting 
the  ground  upon  which  the  glorious  battle  of  Buena  Vista  was 
fought,  that  it  may  not  be  improper,  even  at  this  late  period,  to 
‘ render  unto  Caesar  the  things  that  are  Caesar’s.’  As  General  Wool, 
in  my  opinion,  is  entitled  to  the  credit  of  having  selected  the  spot, 
the  following  letter,  which  incontestably  establishes  that  fact,  may 
not  prove  uninteresting.  It  is  from  the  pen  of  Captain  Carleton,  of  the 
United  States  Dragoons,  a very  gallant  officer,  and  one  whose  pen 
has  often  enriched  the  columns  of  the  New  York  Spirit  of  the 
Times  in  times  past,  and  is  addressed  to  General  Wool.” 

Now  follows  the  letter  of  Captain  Carleton,  dated  Buena  Vista, 
July  27th,  1847 

“ By  reference  to  my  journal  of  the  marches,  &c.,  of  General 
Wool’s  column,  I find  that  on  the  21st  of  December,  1846,  you 
arrived  in  the  valley  of  Encantada  with  your  whole  force,  consist- 
ing of  cavalry,  artillery,  and  infantry,  wdth  their  complete  trains, 
and  encamped  at  Agua  Nueva,  situated  at  its  southern  termination. 
That  point  is  twenty  miles  in  advance  of  Saltillo,  which  city  was 
then  occupied  by  General  Worth,  to  whose  assistance  you  had 
marched  from  Parras,  a distance  of  one  hundred  and  fifteen  miles, 
in  less  than  three  days.  At  that  time  the  command  of  General 
Worth  was  only  a brigade,  and  he  had  sent  by  express  a request  to 
you  at  Parras,  to  join  him  with  your  column  as  soon  as  possible,  to 


SELECTION  OF  BATTLE-GROUND.  169 

assist  in  repelling  an  attack  then  daily  expected  from  the  enemy,  in 
force  under  General  Santa  Anna. 

“ About  the  same  time,  General  Butler  arrived  at  Saltillo  from 
Monterey.  On  the  evening  of  the  22d  of  December,  you  left  your 
camp  at  Agua  Nueva  to  visit  both  himself  and  General  Worth ; it 
being  reported  that  they  were  confined  to  their  beds  in  consequence 
of  the  wounds  they  had  previously  received.  You  were  accompa- 
nied by  Captains  Lee,  Hughes,  and  Chapman,  United  States  Army, 
by  your  aid.  Lieutenant  McDowell,  and  by  myself,  then  on  duty  as 
one  of  your  aids-de-camp.  It  was  quite  dark  when  you  left  Agua 
Nueva,  and  when  you  arrived  at  that  part  of  the  pass  of  Buena 
Vista  known  as  La  Angostura,  a heavy  fog,  accompanied  by  rain, 
had  set  in,  rendering  it  so  much  more  so  that  it  was  with  the  utmost 
difficulty  the  road  could  be  kept.  Indeed  the  officers  who  were 
with  you  were  frequently  obliged  to  dismount  and  seek  for  it  on 
either  hand.  It  was  past  1 1 o’clock  at  night  when  you  and  your 
party  reached  Saltillo.  The  next  day,  when  your  interview  with 
Generals  Butler  and  Worth  was  concluded,  you  started  on  your  re- 
turn to  your  camp  at  Agua  Nueva,  accompanied  only  by  myself, 
all  the  other  officers  who  had  gone  to  Saltillo  with  you  being  still 
detained  there  by  official  business.  When  you  had  proceeded  as 
far  as  Angostura,  one  mile  in  advance  of  the  hacienda  of  San  Juan 
de  la  Buena  Vista,  you  halted,  and,  after  having  glanced  over  the 
ground  on  each  side,  you  said  to  me ; ‘Afr.  Carleton^  this  is  the 
very  spot  of  all  others  1 have  yet  seen  in  Mexico  which  I should 
select  for  battle,  were  I obliged  with  a small  army  to  fight  a large 
one.’* 

“ You  then  pointed  out  to  me  what  you  conceived  were  the  great 
military  advantages  it  possessed ; and  said  that  the  net-work  of 
deeply-worn  channels  on  the  right  would  completely  protect  that 
flank ; that  the  heights  on  your  left  would  command  the  road,  while 
the  ravines  in  front  of  them,  and  which  extend  back  to  the  moun- 
tain on  that  side,  would  cripple  the  movements  of  the  enemy  should 
he  attempt  to  turn  that  flank.  You  continued  conversing  with  me 
on  this  subject  until,  as  you  may  recollect,  we  met  Lieutenant 
McCown,  4th  artillery,  a mile  or  more  further  on.  So  forcibly  was 
I impressed  with  your  choice,  and  all  you  had  said  in  favour  of  it, 
that,  immediately  after  my  arrival  at  Agua  Nueva,  I described  the 
place  to  some  of  the  officers  of  your  staff,  (I  think  to  Inspector- 
15 


170  BRIGADIER-GENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 

General  Churchill  and  his  assistant,  Captain  Drum,  United  States 
Army,)  at  the  time  saying  that  you  had  selected  it  for  a battle-ground, 
and  repeating  all  you  had  stated  in  relation  to  it. 

“ It  may  not  be  improper  likewise  to  add,  that  on  the  26th  of  De- 
cember General  Butler  visited  you  at  Agua  Nueva  ; and  that  on  the 
27th,  before  he  returned  to  Saltillo,  he  gave  you  an  order  to  move 
with  your  troops  and  select  in  the  neighbourhood  of  La  Encantada 
or  further  down  the  stream  towards  Saltillo,  a suitable  place,  and 
there  encamp.  As  this  order  was  entirely  discretionary  as  to  the 
precise  locality  for  your  proposed  camp,  you  chose  the  plain  between 
La  Angostura  and  the  hacienda  before  alluded  to  as  the  best,  be- 
cause it  was  not  only  less  exposed  to  the  bleak  winds  which  contin- 
ually sw^ept  through  the  pass  at  La  Encantada,  and  which  at  that 
season  of  the  year  w^ould  cause  the  troops  much  suffering,  as  we 
were  all  in  tents  and  fuel  very  scarce,  but  offered  the  additional 
advantage  of  an  abundant  supply  of  pure  water,  and  besides 
was  just  in  rear  of  what  you  had  selected  as  the  strong  point  of 
defence. 

V That  evening  (the  28th)  General  Butler  sent  you  an  order  to 
return  to  La  Encantada  and  encamp  there.  You  wrote  a note  to 
him,  requesting,  for  reasons  which  you  assigned,  that  he  would 
permit  you  to  remain  where  you  were,  and  sent  it  by  Colonel  Har- 
din. Captain  Drum  and  myself  accompanied  Colonel  Hardin,  and 
were  present  at  the  interview  between  General  Butler  and  himself. 
During  the  conversation  that  ensued  after  your  note  had  been  deli- 
vered, Colonel  Hardin,  among  other  reasons  which  he  gave  why  he 
hoped  your  request  might  be  complied  with,  urged  the  fact  that  you 
were  near  a point  which  you  believed  you  could  maintain  in  case 
the  enemy  advanced  upon  you  from  the  direction  of  San  Luis  Po- 
tosi.  General  Butler  said  he  would  not  revoke  his  order,  and  re- 
marked that  if  the  Mexican  army  came  he  had  already  chosen  a 
ground  for  battle,  and  even  gone  so  far  as  to  fix  the  points  to  be 
occupied  by  the  several  corps.  That  ground  was  the  broad  plain 
immediately  in  front  of  Saltillo,  and  I think  he  also  said  he  had 
already  prepared  roads  for  the  artillery,  leading  from  the  city  up  on 
to  it.  I have  mentioned  all  these  circumstances  to  show  with  what 
anxiety  and  exertion  you  endeavoured  to  be  permitted  to  occupy  a 
point  within  striking  distance  of  the  one  you  had  selected  as  the  best 
for  battle.  On  the  30th  of  December  your  whole  command  was 


ESTAJ3LISIIt:S  Ills  HEAD-QUARTERS.  171 

obliged  to  retrace  its  steps  to  La  Encantada,  which  it  did  with  evi- 
dent reluctance,  as  ah  the  officers  agreed  entirely  with  you  in  opinion 
as  to  the  disadvantages  arising  from  such  a change  of  position. 

“Previous  to  the  time  when  you  first  went  to  Saltillo,  (the  22d,) 
not  one  of  your  officers  had  ever  gone  through  the  pass  of  Buena 
Vista.  All  those  who  went  with  you  on  that  occasion  were  pre- 
vented, as  I have  shown,  by  the  extreme  darkness  even  from  seeing 
the  great  road  on  which  they  sought  to  travel,  and  could  not  there- 
fore have  had  at  that  time  a favourable  opportunity  for  making 
military  reconnoissances.  You  returned  from  the  city  and  had 
pointed  out  the  position  to  me,  as  I have  stated,  before  they  repassed 
over  it.  The  choice  and  partialities  of  the  officers  in  Saltillo,  it  is 
fair  to  presume,  for  many  reasons,  were  coincident  with  those  ex- 
pressed by  General  Butler.  When  General  Taylor  came  up  from 
Monterey,  he  saw  at  a glance  that  your  views  were  correct ; and, 
although  he  moved  the  whole  army  forward  to  Agua  Nueva,  as 
there  he  could  have  an  extensive  plain  for  the  drill  and  discipline 
of  the  troops,  with  wood  and  water  convenient,  and  besides,  by  doing 
so,  could  take  the  initiatory  step  in  one  of  the  most  beautiful  pieces 
of  strategy  of  modern  times,  still,  when,  by  the  advance  of  Santa 
Anna,  the  moment  had  ripened  to  gain  the  grand  results  by  feigning 
a precipitate  retreat,  that  retreat  was  but  a rapid  movement  back  to 
the  identical  spot  you  had  chosen,  and  on  to  which  the  Mexican 
army  was  hurriedly  drawn  with  all  its  fatigue  and  disarray  conse- 
quent upon  a forced  march  of  upwards  of  forty  miles ; and  where, 
on  the  22d  and  23d  of  February,  1847,  was  fought  the  battle  of 
Buena  Vista.  The  result  of  that  conflict  afforded  conclusive  evi- 
dence of  the  correctness  of  your  first  remark;  for  there  four  thousand 
six  hundred  and  ten  Americans  contended  successfully  against  up- 
wards of  twenty  thousand  Mexicans.  This  letter,  general,  is  but  a 
dry  detail  of  facts,  but  I hope  they  are  set  forth  with  sufficient  clear- 
ness to  prevent  their  being  misunderstood.” 

Immediately  after  the  battle.  General  Wool  established  his  head- 
quarters at  Buena  Vista.  In  the  month  of  May  following,  he,  on  the 
occasion  of  taking  leave  of  the  1st  and  2d  Illinois  regiments,  whose 
term  of  service  (one  year)  had  nearly  expired,  issued  the  following 
orders,  dated  Buena  Vista,  May  28th,  1847. 

“The  term  of  service  for  which  the  1st  and  2d  Illinois  regiments 
have  engaged  has  nearly  expired,  and  they  are  about  to  return  to 


172 


BRIGADIER-QENERAL  JOHN  E.  WOOL. 


their  homes.  The  general  commanding  takes  this  occasion  to  ex- 
press his  deep  regret  at  the  departure  of  those  who  have  been  so 
long  under  his  immediate  command,  and  who  have  served,  and 
served  so  well,  their  country.  Few  can  boast  of  longer  marches, 
greater  hardships,  and  none  of  greater  gallantry  in  the  field  of  Buena 
Vista.  It  was  there  that  the  general  witnessed  with  infinite  satis- 
faction their  valour,  which  gave  an  additional  lustre  to  our  arms,  and 
increased  glory  to  our  country.  To  their  steadiness  and  firmness, 
in  connection  with  the  2d  Kentucky  Foot,  in  resisting  the  Mexicans 
at  a critical  moment,  and  where  there  were  five  to  one  against 
them  — and,  as  General  Santa  Anna  said,  ‘when  blood  flowed  in 
torrents,  and  the  field  of  battle  was  strewed  with  the  dead,’ — we  may 
justly  ascribe  a large  share  of  the  glorious  victory  over  more  than 
twenty  thousand  men. 

“A  great  victory,  it  is  true,  but  attained  at  too  great  a sacrifice  ; 
Hardin,  Zabriskie,  Woodward,  McKee,  Yell,  Clay,  and  many  others 
fell  leading  their  men  to  the  charge.  Their  names  and  gallant  deeds 
will  ever  be  remembered  by  a grateful  people. 

“ In  taking  leave  of  these  regiments,  the  general  cannot  omit  to 
express  his  admiration  of  the  conduct  and  gallant  bearing  of  all,  and 
especially  of  Colonels  Bissell  and  Weatherford,  and  their  officers, 
who  have,  on  all  occasions,  done  honour  to  themselves,  and  heroic- 
all}’^  sustained  the  cause  of  their  country  on  the  field  of  Buena  Vista. 

“The  wishes  of  the  general  will  attend  them  to  their  homes, 
where  they  will  be  received  with  joy  and  gladness -as  the  pride  of 
their  families  and  their  state.” 

On  the  23d  of  June,  the  following  reply  was  made  by  the  officers 
of  these  regiments : 

“Brigadier-General  Wool, — The  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  1st 
regiment  of  Illinois  volunteers,  on  the  eve  of  leaving  Mexico  for  their 
homes,  would  do  violence  to  their  own  feelings  did  they  not  tender 
to  their  immediate  commanding  general  a testimonial  of  their  regard. 

“ Upon  entering  the  service  a year  since,  they  were  not  prepared 
to  appreciate  the  importance  of  discipline  and  drill,  and  consequently 
complained  of  them  as  onerous  and  unnecessary.  Complaints  were 
loud  and  many.  Their  judgment  convinced,  their  feelings  have 
undergone  a change,  and  they  now  thank  you  for  your  untiring  ex- 
ertions to  make  them  useful  to  their  country  and  a credit  to  their 
state. 


CORRESPONDENCE  WITH  HIS  OFFICERS.  173 

“ Whatever;  sir,  of  service  we  may  have  done  our  common  coun- 
try, or  whatever  honour  we  may  have  done  the  state  of  Illinois,  to 
General  John  E.  Wool  is  due  the  credit.  You,  sir,  brought  ^our 
column  into  the  field,  well  provided  for,  and  well  disciplined,  and 
fought  them  well  when  you  got  them  there ; and  should  our  country 
ever  again  need  our  services  in  the  field,  it  would  be  our  proudest 
wish  to  again  meet  the  enemy  under  the  immediate  command  of 
one  in  whose  energy,  watchfulness  and  courage  we,  and  the  whole 
army,  have  the  most  unlimited  confidence. 

“With  the  best  wishes  for  your  future  fame  and  happiness,  on 
the  part  of  the  regiment,  we  beg  leave  to  subscribe  ourselves  your 
friends.” 

This  paper  was  signed  by  W.  Weatherford,  colonel  of  the  1st 
Illinois  volunteer  regiment,  by  W.  B.  Waring,  lieutenant-colonel, 
and  forty  company  and  staff  officers. 

From  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  up  to  the  last  accounts  from 
General  Wool’s  command,  we  find  that  he  has  been  stationed  at 
Buena  Vista,  awaiting  reinforcements  to  enable  him  and  General 
Taylor  to  make  a movement  in  the  direction  of  San  Luis  Potosi, 
passing  through  and  taking  possession  of  Encarnacion  on  the  route. 


/: 


MAJOR  RINGGOLD. 


Major  Samuel  Ringgold  was  the  eldest  son  of  General  Samuel 
Ringgold,  formerly  United  States’  senator  from  Maryland.  His 
mother  was  daughter  of  General  John  Cadwalader,  endeared  to  the 
citizens  of  Philadelphia  for  his  patriotic  services  in  the  revolution. 
The  major  was  born  in  the  year  1800,  at  Front  Park,  near  Hagers- 
town, Washington  county,  Maryland.  In  1814,  he  entered  the 
military  academy  at  West  Point,  and  after  remaining  there  four 
years,  and  performing  its  laborious  requirements  wdth  promptness 
and  success,  he  graduated  [1818]  with  distinction,  at  the  head  of 
his  class.  But  not  satisfied  with  his  proficiency  in  military  matters, 
he  determined  to  visit  the  various  professional  schools  of  Europe, 
so  that  nothing  of  a theoretical  nature  might  be  wanting  to  com- 
plete his  education.  He  entered  the  Polytechnique,  and  afterwards 
the  military  institution  at  Woolwich,  perfecting  himself  in  the 
science  of  artillery.  Returning  to  his  country,  he  laid  before  go- 
vernment the  result  of  his  arduous  researches,  pressing  the  import- 
ance of  an  efficient  organization  of  artillery  to  complete  our  military 
establishment.  Although  neglected  by  the  department,  and  dis- 
countenanced by  the  public,  yet  such  was  his  untiring  perseverance, 
that  he  was  at  length  partially  successful,  and  saw  added  to  the 
national  army  a branch  of  flying  artillery,  which,  during  the  whole 
of  our  war  with  Mexico,  has  proven  the  bulwark  of  success. 

Ringgold  first  entered  the  army  as  lieutenant,  and  being  recom- 
mended by  General  Scott,  he  was  received  as  aid-de-camp  into  that 
officer’s  staff.  After  improving  rapidly  in  this  capacity,  he  com- 
menced service,  as  brevet  lieutenant  of  the  1st  regiment.  In  July 
1822,  he  was  promoted  as  first  lieutenant  in  which  capacity  he  oc- 
cupied Fort  Moultrie,  South  Carolina,  until  the  settlement  of  the 
nullification  difficulties  in  1833.  Next  year  he  received  the  brevet 

(174) 


SERVICES  IN  FLORIDA. 


175 


rank  of  captain,  dating  from  May  8ih,  1832.  The  full  rank  of 
captain,  with  command  of  a company  in  the  3d  artillery,  was  given 
to  him  in  1836. 

But  his  most  arduous  service  was  experienced  in  Florida.  Natu- 
rally rather  delicate  in  health,  the  diseases  of  that  swampy  country, 
the  dreadful  toils  encountered  in  advancing  through  forests,  lakes, 
and  marshes,  and  the  other  hardships  of  the  Seminole  campaigns, 
preyed  upon  his  constitution,  and  sowed  the  seeds  of  permanent 
decay. 

After  the  disbandment  of  his  company  in  1838,  the  captain  went 
to  Carlisle,  Pennsylvania,  with  instructions  to  organize  and  equip  a 
company  of  light  artillery,  to  be  composed  of  men  dropped  from  the 
rolls  of  the  first  and  second  artillery.  He  was  soon  afterwards  bre- 
vetted  major,  for  his  meritorious  services  in  Florida.  In  this  capa- 
city he  remained,  perfecting  his  favourite  branch  of  service,  until  the 
opening  of  our  war  with  Mexico. 

Major  Ringgold  was  with  the  “ Corps  of  Observation,”  from  the 
time  of  its  organization  at  Corpus  Christi,  until  the  battle  of  Palo 
Alto.  That  engagement  was  commenced  on  the  part  of  the  Ameri- 
cans by  Lieutenant  Churchill,  with  two  eighteen-pounders.  Ring- 
gold  stationed  himself  in  advance  of  the  eighteen-pounders,  and,  at 
the  distance  of  seven  hundred  yards  from  the  enemy,  opened  his 
fir#  with  terrible  effect.  When  the  march  was  resumed  on  the  fol- 
lowing morning,  the  direction  of  his  fire  could  be  traced  by  the 
mangled  heaps  which  it  had  left  in  its  course.  Major  Ringgold 
personally  attended  his  guns,  and  was  so  accurate  in  his  manage- 
ment of  them,  so  sure  of  his  aim,  as  frequently  to  point  them  at 
particular  individuals.  Thus  for  a while  was  the  battle  conducted, 
— the  artillery  alone  employed.  The  American  infantry,  drawn  up 
as  a support,  stood  watching  with  intense  feeling  the  ravages  of  this 
terrible  weapon,  bursting  forth  into  loud  cheers  at  every  discharge. 

While  the  battle  was  thus  raging,  the  Mexican  lancers  moved 
down  toward  the  wagon  train,  in  consequence  of  which  Lieutenant 
Ridgely  was  detached  with  two  pieces  to  protect  it.  Notwithstand- 
ing this  diminution  of  numbers,  Ringgold  still  maintained  the  battle 
against  fearful  odds,  and  held  the  enemy  at  bay  for  three  hours. 
He  then  received  the  wound  which  caused  his  death.  It  was  oc- 
casioned by  a six-pound  cannon  shot,  which  struck  the  middle  of  his 
right  thigh,  passed  through  it,  and  through  the  shoulders  of  his 


176 


MAJOR  RINGGOLD. 


horse,  and  came  out  through  the  left  thigh.  Men  and  officers  came 
to  his  assistance,  but  he  waved  them  away, exclaiming,  “Don’t  stay 
with  me  ; you  have  work  to  do  — go  ahead.” 

He  was  immediately  carried  from  the  field  under  the  direction  of 
Dr.  Byrne,  who  dressed  his  wounds.  Although  nearly  all  the  an- 
terior muscles  were  torn  from  each  thigh,  yet  no  bones  were  broken 
nor  any  important  artery  divided.  His  pain  was  trifling,  and  up  to 
the  time  of  his  death,  he  conversed  cheerfully  with  his  attendants 
upon  the  incidents  of  the  battle.  He  steadily  grew  worse,  however, 
until  one  o’clock  on  the  morning  of  the  10th,  when  he  expired. 
His  burial  took  place  on  the  following  day. 

Major  Ringgold  was  formed  by  nature  to  be  popular.  No  man 
possessed  more  the  affection  and  obedience  of  the  soldiers,  and  no 
one  was  ever  more  sincerely  lamented.  Even  those  who  had 
^known  him  only  for  a few  months,  partook  of  the  general  sorrow ; 
and  when  it  was  announced  throughout  the  United  States  that 
Ringgold  had  fallen,  the  shout  of  victory  was  dashed  with  a wail  of 
sympathy.  In  his  native  state  especially  was  this  feeling  mani- 
fested* At  the  Monument  Square  a meeting  convened  to  hear  the 
details  of  the  struggles  of  the  8th  and  &th.  Colonel  Davis  was  one 
of  the  speakers ; and  when  he  announced  that  Ringgold  had  been 
killed,  a deep  silence  settled  over  the  dense  mass,  and  every  head 
was  uncovered.  The  Baltimore  county  court  adjourned  on  learn- 
ing the  melancholy  event.  On  that  occasion  the  honourable  Judge 
Le  Grande  made  the  following  remarks : 

“ In  the  motion  of  the  attorney-general  the  court  recognises  a be- 
coming appreciation  of  the  sad  feeling  which  the  announcement  of 
the  death  of  our  brave  townsman  has  inspired  in  the  bosoms  of  our 
entire  community.  It  is  fitting  that  the  court  and  indeed  every 
branch  of  the  government  should  exhibit  the  sincerest  evidences  of 
the  affliction  which  all  have  sustained  in  the  death  of  one  who  sur- 
rendered his  life  in  the  defence  of  his  country.  Custom  has  pre- 
scribed, amongst  its  usual  cold  ceremonials,  the  expression  of  grief 
at  the  final  departure  of  any  distinguished  citizen ; but  when  the 
resolute  and  noble  defender  of  the  honour  of  the  country  and  the 
integrity  of  its  soil  is  swallowed  up  in  the  jaws  of  death,  whilst  in 
the  act  of  adding  by  his  daring  intrepidity  another  brilliant  page  to 
its  history,  the  patriotic  heart  properly  demands,  and  will  have  the 
tribute  which  the  just  and  the  grateful  ever  promptly  pay  to  the 


REGRETS  FOR  HIS  DEATH. 


177 


gallant  dead.  To  us  all  this  is  evident  by  the  gloom  which  is  every- 
w^here  in  our  city ; and  which  the  enunciation  of  a succession  of  the 
glorious  victories  of  our  arms  cannot  dispel.  The  court  therefore 
can  have  no  difficulty  in  concurring  in  the  motion,  responsive  as  is 
that  concurrence  to  the  feelings  of  the  community  and  of  its  own. 
Major  Ringgold  was  a citizen  of  Baltimore,  known  to  us  all,  to  some 
of  us  intimately,  and  by  whomsoever  and  wheresoever  known,  recog- 
nised as  a gentlemen  of  the  highest  sense  of  honour,  and  of  the  kind- 
liest feelings  of  which  humanity  is  susceptible.  He  is  gone,  but 
the  fame  his  late  brilliant  conduct  won  will  henceforth  constitute  a 
part  of  the  pride  and  history  of  his  country.” 

Other  public  and  political  bodies  manifested  similar  tokens  of  re- 
gret. On  the  26th  of  May  the  flags  of  all  vessels  and  public  build- 
ings were  half-masted,  and  hung  with  crape.  More  recently,  mea- 
sures have  been  adopted  to  transport  his  remains  from  Texas  to 
Baltimore.  According  to  the  arrangements  for  this  interesting 
ceremony,  the  relics  “ will  be  kept  in  the  Rotunda  for  a few  days, 
with  a military  guard  of  honour  constantly  present,  to  enable  compa- 
nies in  distant  portions  of  the  state  to  gratify  the  wishes  they  have 
expressed,  to  participate  in  the  ceremonies  [of  burial] ; and  the 
time  fixed  for  the  funeral  will  be  communicated  to  all  companies 
not  located  in  Baltimore,  upon  their  expressing  such  a wish  by  letter 
addressed  to  the  Eagle  Artillery  Company,  who  are  charged  with 
all  the  details  of  the  funeral.” 

The  press  was  not  wanting  in  its  contribution  of  esteem.  “ The 
major,”  says  a Baltimore  editor,  “ was  an  accomplished  gentleman, 
beloved  by  his  friends,  respected  by  all.  He  was  devoted  to  his 
profession,  and  justly  appreciated  the  high  responsibilities  of  an 
officer  in  command.  He  rigidly  enforced  discipline  at  all  times  and 
in  all  things ; and  yet,  probably,  no  officer  had  more  entirely  the 
respect,  the  confidence,  and  the  affectionate  regard  of  all  his  officers 
and  men.” 

“ The  death  of  this  accomplished  officer,”  sa37's  the  Philadelphia 
North  American,  “is  a heavy  loss  to  the  country.  He  had  been 
instructed  with  a revision  of  a system  of  tactics  for  our  army,  and 
devoted  much  time  and  study  to  improving  upon  the  English  and 
French  systems.  His  corps  was  as  fine  a one  as  any  service  could 
boast.  He  leaves  unfinished,  w^e  think,  a work  which  he  was  pre- 
paring on  the  utility  and  practicability  of  the  flying  artillery  arm  in 


178 


MAJOR  RINGGOLD. 


/ 


service.  Major  Ringgold’s  constitution  was  much  impaired  by  his 
long  campaign  in  Florida ; but  passionately  attached  to  the  profes- 
sion of  arms,  he  still  remained  in  the  army,  and  died  a martyr  to  his 
country. 

“ His  death  has  stricken  thousands  of  hearts  that  gush  under  the 
blow  with  feelings  which  no  ordinary  public  calamity  could  have 
excited.  He  was  generally  known  and  appreciated  in  this  city  as 
the  Bayard  of  the  age  — the  star  of  the  war ; and  his  career  was 
watched  with  anxious  eyes  and  hearts.  That  it  would  be  glorious 
no  one  doubted ; but  who  thought  that  an  orb  so  bright  would  sink 
so  early  ? The  soul  of  chivalry  and  honour,  accomplished  as  a sol- 
dier, lofty  as  a patriot,  beloved  as  a man,  it  demands  an  agonizing 
struggle  to  reconcile  us  to  such  a sacrifice.  And  yet  it  is  a noble 
one.  In  the  flash  of  his  fame  he  has  died  as  he  lived  — for  his 
country.  The  offering  was  doubtless  a glad  one.  He  desired  no 
better  fate  than  such  a death ; he  could  leave  no  richer  inheritance 
than  such  an  example.  While  we  feel  as  if  destiny  had  robbed  the 
future  of  the  fame  which  such  a nature  must  have  won,  we  dare 
not  repine  that  his  career  has  been  closed  in  its  morning  with  this 
sunburst  of  glory.  His  memory  will  be  gratefully  cherished  so  long 
as  honour  has  a victory,  freedom  a hero,  or  his  country  a name.” 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


Samuel  Hamilton  Walker  was  born  about  the  year  1815,  in 
Prince  George  county,  Maryland.  His  brothers  and  other  relatives 
now  reside  in  Washington  city.  During  the  Seminole  Indian  war 
he  enlisted  in  the  United  States’  service  as  a private,  and  was  one 
of  Colonel  Harney’s  picked  men  to  penetrate  the  everglades  of 
Florida,  where  foot-prints  of  the  white  man  were  never  before  seen. 
In  that  hazardous  expedition,  which  effectually  put  an  end  to  the 
Florida  war,  by  conquering  the  Indians  around  their  own  council 
fires,  young  Walker  greatly  distinguished  himself.  He  was  a 
favourite  of  the  daring  Harney,  whose  quick  perception  never  failed 
to  select  the  most  energetic  and  bold. 

At  the  close  of  the  Seminole  war,  Walker  went  to  Texas  and 
joined  Colonel  Hays’  company  of  rangers.  In  the  summer  of  1844 
he  was  one  of  the  fifteen  of  Hays’  men,  armed  with  revolving  pis- 
tols, who  attacked  eighty  Camanche  Indians,  and  defeated  them, 
leaving  thirty-three  dead  Indians  upon  the  field  ; and,  from  the  num- 
ber of  dead  and  dying  carried  off,  it  was  believed  that  more  than 
half  of  the  Camanche  force  was  slain  by  these  fifteen  rangers.  In 
this  fierce  battle  Walker  was  pierced  through  the  body  by  the  spear 
of  an  Indian,  the  spear  pinning  him  to  the  ground  ! He  was  left 
in  that  condition  by  his  companions,  who  supposed  he  was  dead. 
After  the  battle,  he  was  found  with  the  spear  still  sticking  through 
him,  though  he  had  succeeded  in  getting  it  out  of  the  ground.  His 
companions  relieved  him  from  it,  and  found  it  had  not  touched  a 
vital  part.  He  recovered. 

Walker  was  also  one  of  Colonel  Fisher’s  three  hundred  men  who 
marched  against  two  thousand  Mexicans  stationed  at  Mier,  and  was 
captured  by  the  Mexicans  previous  to  that  battle,  as  he  was  making 
an  excursion  among  them.  After  the  defeat  of  the  Mier  expedition,  he 

079) 


180 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


Ifi 

was  marched,  with  other  prisoners,  to  the  castle  of  Perote.  These 
prisoners  received  the  inhuman  treatment  which  no  other  people  on 
earth,  save  Mexicans  and  cannibals,  inflict  upon  those  within  their 
power.  At  Salado,  the  Texans  resolved  to  make  their  escape. 
Walker  was  foremost.  It  was  arranged  that  he  should  seize  and 
disarm  one  of  the  guard,  and  that  Cameron,  a Scotchman,  should 
serve  the  other  in  the  same  way.  At  the  signal,  the  guards  Avere 
disarmed  in  a moment,  and  the  Texans,  two  hundred  and  fourteen 
in  number,  rushed  into  the  outer  court,  where  one  hundred  and  fifty 
Mexican  infantry  were  guarding  a quantity  of  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion. The  Texans  soon  had  command  of  this  point,  and  armed 
themselves.  Whilst  doing  so,  three  hundred  Mexicans,  cavalry  and 
infantry,  formed  outside  of  the  gates.  The  Texans  rushed  upon 
these,  and  defeated  them,  killing  ten  of  their  number,  and  losing 
five.  The  company  then  escaped,  but  finally  became  lost  in  the 
mountains,  and  suffered  greatly  from  hunger.  As  Walker  expressed 
it  to  a friend,  after  his  return,  their  eyes  became  so  sunken,  from 
hunger  and  fatigue,  that  they  appeared  like  augur-holes  in  the  head. 

In  this  condition  they  were  re-captured  by  the  Mexicans  and 
taken  back  to  Salado.  Here  the  blood-thirsty  Santa  Anna  demanded 
the  life  of  every  tenth  man,  and  the  company  was  marched  out  to 
draw  the  black  beans  — one  black  bean  for  every  tenth  man  being 
placed  in  the  bowl,  and  all  who  drew  them  were  shot.  Young  Torrey 
was  one  of  these  unfortunates,  and  was  killed  on  the  spot.  Those 
who  drew  the  white  beans  were  subjected  to  intense  sufferings. 
Walker,  with  eight  others,  however,  finally  escaped  from  Mexico, 
and  returned  to  Texas.  He  then  joined  the  Texas  revenue  service, 
where  he  exhibited  his  usual  efficiency. 

When  General  Taylor  marched  into  Texas  with  his  army  of  ob- 
servation, and  matters  were  wearing  a hostile  appearance.  Walker, 
at  the  head  of  a company  of  Texas  rangers,  armed  with  Colt’s 
patent  repeaters,  offered  his  services  to  the  United  States,  was  ac- 
cepted, and  aided  in  defending  Point  Isabel.  He  was  stationed  be- 
tween that  place  and  General  Taylor’s  advance  camp,  with  instruc- 
tions to  keep  the  communication  open,  if  possible.  This  service 
was  perilous:  but  Walker’s  bravery  and  rapid  movements  over- 
came all  obstacles.  On  the  28th  of  April,  1846,  he  ascertained  that 
quite  a large  body  of  Mexicans  intended  to  surround  General  Tay- 
lor’s camp,  and  he  at  once  set  out  with  seventy-five  men,  to  comma- 


HIS  DARING  JOURNEYS. 


181 


% 

nicate  with  the  general.  After  proceeding  twelve  miles,  he  encoun- 
tered fifteen  hundred  Mexicans,  and  most  of  his  men  being  inex- 
perienced, fell  back  at  the  appearance  of  such  an  overwhelming 
opposition.  The  few  that  remained  around  their  bold  commander 
firmly  received  the  attack  of  the  Mexicans,  and  gave  them  battle 
for  about  fifteen  minutes,  killing  about  thirty  of  them.  They  then 
retreated,  and  were  pursued  to  within  half  a mile  of  Point  Isabel. 
It  was  reported  that  Walker  was  slain,  but  at  night  he  came  into 
the  fort,  and  with  that  indomitable  spirit  for  which  he  was  distin- 
guished, at  once  offered  to  communicate  with  General  Taylor,  pro- 
vided he  could  have  four  men  as  companions.  This  proposition, 
under  such  circumstances,  with  the  enemy  in  force,  and  lurking  in 
every  path  and  thicket,  was  considered  rash.  But  six  Texans 
volunteered,  and  after  several  bold  adventures,  in  one  of  which  they 
charged  through  a large  body  of  Mexican  lancers,  whilst  they  were 
preparing  to  forage  their  horses,  they  reached  the  camp  of  General 
Taylor  in  safety  on  the  30th. 

In  consequence  of  the  information  thus  received.  General  Taylor 
marched  from  camp  on  the  1st  of  May,  and  reached  Point  Isabel  the 
day  after.  On  the  3d,  the  Mexicans  commenced  their  bombardment 
of  the  river  fort.  Anxious  to  know  how  Major  Brown  sustained 
this  attack,  the  general  despatched  Captain  May,  with  one  hundred 
men,  assisted  by  Walker  and  six  rangers,  for  the  purpose  of  open- 
ing a communication.  At  two  o’clock,  P.  M.  of  the  3d,  May  started, 
and  in  the  evening  came  in  sight  of  Arista’s  camp  fires.  Though  the 
whole  Mexican  army  was  before  him,  he  manosuvred  so  skilfully  as 
to  escape  observation,  pass  round  its  front,  and  find  ambush  in  some 
thick  chapparal  a few  miles  from  the  fort.  Walker  was  then  sent 
forward  to  the  fort,  wdth  instruction  to  note  particularly  any  force  he 
might  observe  along  the  road.  He  reached  his  destination  without 
accident,  while  May  and  his  troops  remained  waiting  in  their  sad- 
dles. Owing  to  several  unforeseen  causes.  Captain  Walker  was  un- 
able to  rejoin  May  that  night,  and  daylight  approaching,  the  latter 
returned  to  Point  Isabel.  Here  the  keenest  anxiety  was  felt  for  the 
gallant  ranger,  as  it  seemed  almost  certain  that  he  had  been  inter- 
cepted by  the  enemy.  On  the  night  of  the  4th,  however,  to  the 
great  joy  of  the  whole  army,  he  reached  General  Taylor’s  station 
in  safety,  having  performed  in  the  face  of  a hostile  army  one  of  the 
most  daring  journeys  on  record. 

16 


182 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


Walker  and  his  little  band  performed  arduous  and  trying  duty  in 
the  battles  of  the  8th  and  9th  of  May.  He  was  by  turns  in  every 
part  of  the  field,  and  followed  May  in  the  headlong  charge  upon  the 
batteries  at  Resaca  de  la  Palma.  The  best  evidence  of  his  efficiency 
is  given  by  General  Taylor  himself.  “ I would  mention  the  ser- 
vices of  Captain  Walker,  of  the  Texas  rangers,  who  was  in  both 
affairs,  with  his  company,  and  who  has  performed  very  meritorious 
services  as  a spy  and  partisan.”  It  is  rarely  that  a young  man  of 
so  short  a term  of  service  is  mentioned  in  so  flattering  a manner. 

Without  solicitation,  government  rewarded  his  services  and  sig- 
nal bravery  by  a captain’s  commission  in  the  new  regiment  of 
United  States’  mounted  rifles.  Thus  promoted,  he  repaired  to  Mary- 
land, and  soon  rallied  around  him,  principally  from  Maryland  and 
Kentucky,  two  hundred  and  fifty  volunteer  rangers,  whose  services 
were  accepted  by  the  government.  With  this  company  he  went  to 
Vera  Cruz,  and  was  employed  to  keep  the  guerillas  at  bay,  and 
open  communication.  The  bold  feats  of  himself  and  his  confident 
followers  struck  terror  into  the  prowling  guerillas,  and  this  class  of 
highway  robbers,  always  well  armed  and  well  mounted,  were  sure 
to  leave  a clear  path  when  “ Walker  and  his  rangers”  were  on  the 
track. 

One  of  the  most  brilliant  actions  of  Captain  Walker  was  his  battle 
at  the  pass  of  La  Hoya  on  the  20th  of  September,  1847.  A full 
description  of  it  is  given  in  his  official  report  to  Colonel  Wynkoop, 
dated  from  the  castle  of  Perote. 

“When  ordered  forward  by  you  at  3 o’clock,  on  the  morning  of 
the  20th,  I understood  from  you  that  you  had  an  advance  picket 
about  two  hundred  yards.  In  this  I was  disappointed ; I had  not 
advanced  more  than  one  hundred  yards  before  I was  hailed  by  the 
enemy,  who  appeared  about  forty  in  number.  I could  not  return  or 
delay  a moment  to  reconnoitre,  as  I intended,  without  subjecting 
my  command  and  yours  also  to  a raking  fire ; and  I immediately 
ordered  the  charge. 

“ The  enemy  were  completely  routed,  and  fired  in  such  confusion 
and  haste  that  no  man  was  wounded  ; but,  unfortunately,  we  found 
a curve  in  the  road,  which  we  supposed  to  be  straight,  and  a num- 
ber of  us  were  unhorsed  by  the  falling  of  our  horses  over  a fence, 
which  was  not  seen  until  we  were  upon  it.  In  this  affair  I lost 
seven  public  horses,  which  probably  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 


ACTION  AT  LA  HOYA. 


183 


enemy,  one  of  them  badly  wounded,  so  as  to  render  him  valueless. 

I also  lost  my  private  horse.  Richardson  (musician),  and  Raborg 
(interpreter),  were  slightly  injured  by  the  fall  of  their  horses.  On 
the  same  day,  about  9 o’clock,  A.  M.,  after  leaving  you  for  the  pur- 
pose of  watering  my  horses,  I resolved  to  drive  off  the  party  of 
lancers  who  had  appeared  on  the  hill  on  our  right  early  in  the  morn- 
ing. I dismounted  one-half  of  the  men,  and  threw  them  out  on  my 
right  and  left.  Several  of  their  stragglers  were  killed,  and  the 
balance  made  a rapid  retreat  before  we  approached  near  enough  to 
engage  them.  I then  returned  to  the  village  of  Las  Vegas,  having 
also  taken  two  prisoners,  whom  I released,  both  being  elderly  men. 

“At  about  11  o’clock,  A.  M.,  while  advancing  upon  La  Hoya, 
with  your  permission  to  feel  the  enemy  and  ascertain  their  position, 
and  so  forth,  I heard  the  firing  of  artillery  at  the  Pass.  I dismounted 
some  of  my  men  and  threw  them  out  on  each  side  of  the  road  to 
avoid  an  ambuscade.  When  about  two  miles  from  the  Pass,  we 
saw  about  fifty  of  the  enemy  on  our  left.  I sent  forward  a few  men 
on  foot,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  on  an  engagement.  It  soon 
became  apparent  that  the  enemy  had  either  a very  considerable 
force,  or  that  they  had  feared  the  consequence  of  allowing  us  the 
opportunity  of  attacking  them  in  the  rear,  and  they  had  almost  en- 
tirely withdrawn  from  the  Pass.  In  a very  few  minutes  after  the 
first  shot  was  fired,  my  skirmishers  were  pressed  by  such  over- 
whelming numbers,  as  to  force  them  to  retire  within  distance  of 
support,  and  to  give  them  a more  defensible  position. 

“ I then  ordered  my  horses  all  to  be  tied  under  cover  of  an  old 
frame  house.  I then  put  my  men  under  cover  of  a stone  fence,  and 
extended  them  sufficiently  to  the  left  to  prevent  the  enemy  from 
flanking,  being  emboldened  by  their  success  in  driving  in  our  skir- 
mishers. They  rushed  towards  us  in  considerable  numbers,  confi- 
dent of  victory,  with  shouts  of  triumph,  which  were  returned  by 
shouts  of  defiance  from  my  men.  The  moment  was  most  critical — 
many  of  my  men  had  never  been  under  fire  of  an  enemy  before, 
and  nothing  but  my  confidence  in  their  heroic  valour  and  coolness 
w^ould  have  induced  me  to  remain  in  my  position. 

“ At  this  moment  I ordered  my  men  to  take  their  sabres  from  the 
fronts  of  their  saddles,  (which  were  secured  in  that  way  for  the  pur- 
pose of  more  secret  movements  by  night,)  and  prepare  to  use  them 
when  it  came  to  close  quarters.  The  coolness  and  gallantry  of  my 


184 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


men,  and  the  deadly  crack  of  their  rifles,  soon  convinced  them  that 
it  was  better  to  retire.  There  could  not  have  been  less  than  three 
hundred  Mexicans  in  the  engagement,  besides  about  three  hundred 
more  who  were  close  by  to  support  them,  and  might  very  properly 
be  included  in  the  number  of  the  attacking  party.  I suppose  their 
loss  in  this  aflair,  as  nearly  as  I could  judge,  was  at  least  forty  killed 
and  wounded.  My  whole  number  of  men  was  fifty-one,  which  in- 
cludes several  who  were  injured  by  the  fall  of  their  horses  in  the 
charge  the  night  previous. 

“The  action  was  warmly  contested,  and  lasted  about  thirty 
minutes.  I had  one  horse  killed,  and  one  man,  private  Huguenin, 
who  volunteered  his  services — belonging  to  company  E,  rifle  regi- 
ment, having  been  left  sick  in  hospital  — slightly  wounded.  My 
officers  and  men  behaved  with  great  gallantry,  and  such  daring 
bravery,  that  it  was  with  reluctance  that  many^of  them  seemed  to 
obey  my  orders  to  take  cover  behind  the  rocks,  from  the  shower  of 
oullets  which  for  some  time  filled  the  air  above  their  heads. 

“ Where  all  behaved  so  nobly,  it  is  difficult  to  make  distinctions. 
Among  the  many,  however,  who  have  gained  my  esteem  for  their 
good  conduct,  I Qannot  omit  to  mention  the  names  of  Sergeant 
Thomas  Sloan,  of  England ; Edward  Harris,  of  Virginia ; both  of 
whom  were  wounded  in  former  engagements ; also  Sergeant  Henry 
Haugh,  of  Maryland  ; Corporal  Thomas  Gosling,  of  Maryland,  who 
was  also  wounded  at  Cerro  Gordo,  is  entitled  to  the  distinction  of 
being  called  the  bravest  of  the  brave ; also.  Corporals  Jos.  E.  Mer- 
riken,  of  Maryland,  Samuel  Hescock,  of  Maine,  and  Besson  Con- 
stant, of  France;  also,  privates  Thomas  H.  Tilghman,  of  Mary- 
land, Jas.  M.  De  Baupe,  of  Maryland,  Isaac  P.  Darlington,  of 
Maryland,  Thaddeus  S.  Bell,  of  Virginia,  William  Glanding,  of 
Maryland,  Francis  G.  F.  Waltemeyer,  of  Maryland,  and  also 
Richard  M.  Bradford,  of  Baltimore,  Maryland,  who  was  always 
among  the  foremost,  and  the  last  to  retire  from  pursuit  of  the  enemy. 

“All  of  these  I recommend  to  the  favourable  consideration  of  the 
commander-in-chief  of  the  American  forces  and  to  the  war  depart- 
ment, and  request  that  they  may  be  rewarded  for  their  gallantr}^ 
Many  of  them  are  gentlemen  of  education,  and  worthy  of  commis- 
sions in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  and  I cannot  too  strongly 
recommend  them  for  promotion  to  higher  stations.  And  I must 
also  take  occasion  to  regret  that  sickness  should  have  prevented  so 


BATTLE  OF  HUAMANTLA.  185 

many  of  my  most  gallant  spirits  from  participating  with  me  in  this 
affair. 

“ I must  not  omit  to  mention  that  Lieutenant  Charles  L.  Denman 
—who  was  by  my  side,  and  behaved  gallantly  in  the  charges,  was 
in  the  engagement  and  behaved  well,  and  continued  in  pursuit  of 
the  enemy  to  the  last  point  — deserves  much  credit  for  his  perse- 
verance, energy  and  bravery.  Although  on  the  sick  report,  and 
suffering  severely  for  some  weeks  past,  he  would  not  remain  behind. 
Lieutenant  Thomas  Claiborne  took  a rifle,  and  used  it  with  consi- 
derable effect  upon  the  enemy. 

“ Surgeon  John  T.  Lamar,  of  Georgia,  also  deserves  my  thanks 
for  volunteering  his  professional  services,  and  remaining  with  us 
during  the  pursuit.  I must  also  mention  Lieutenant  A.  H.  Goff’, 
of  the  1st  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  who  was  with  us,  and  took  the 
news  of  our  engagement  to  you.” 

The  following  description  of  the  battle  of  Huamantla,  in  which 
Captain  Walker  was  killed,  will  be  read  with  the  greatest  interest. 
It  is  fuller  and  more  circumstantial  than  any  which  has  yet  ap- 
peared. 

“ On  the  evening  of  October  8,  the  train  halted  at  a hacienda  two 
and  a half  leagues  from  Nopaluca.  General  Lane  sent  out  a spy 
to  the  town  of  Huamantla  that  night,  having  received  information 
that  General  Santa  Anna  had  gone  thither  during  the  day  before. 
The  next  morning  he  returned,  and  reported  that  the  cavalry  of  the 
enemy  had  left  the  town,  leaving  behind  six  pieces  of  artillery. 
Orders  were  immediately  issued  for  the  cavalry  under  Captain 
Walker,  Colonel  Gorman’s  regiment.  Major  Lally’s  battalion,  Colo- 
nel Wynkoop’s  regiment.  Captain  Taylor’s  battery,  and  Captain 
Heitzelman’s  battalion  to  be  in  readiness  to  march  for  the  town, 
leaving  the  train  with  about  eleven  hundred  men  and  two  pieces  of 
artillery,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Brough. 

“At  eleven  o’clock  the  whole  moved  off*  in  fine  style.  The  cavalry 
were  ordered  to  keep  some  distance  in  the  advance.  W e had  gone 
about  two  miles  when  Captain  Walker  determined  to  push  on  at  a 
gallop  and  surprise  the  enemy.  For  five  miles  the  cavalry  moved 
at  a very  rapid  pace  until  we  reached  the  outskirts  of  the  town,  when 
Captain  Walker  gave  orders  to  form  fours  and  close  up.  He  then 
entered  a very  narrow  lane,  both  sides  of  which  were  lined  with 
thick  maguey,  so  narrow  in  many  places  that  the  sets  of  fours  had 
IG* 


186 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


10  be  broken,  and  the  column  moved  by  twos.  On  we  went  at  a 
irot,  until  the  lane  opened  into  the  main  street  leading  to  the  plaza, 
when,  in  column  of  four,  the  order  was  given  to  draw  sabres  and 
charge.  Then  rose  a wild  yell,  and  such  a charge ! The  flashing 
of  the  sabres,  the  thundering  of  the  horses’  feet  over  the  paved 
streets,  were  enough  to  strike  terror  into  the  hearts  of  the  enemy. 
Two  of  their  cannon  were  pointed  up  the  street,  another  pointed 
down  a cross  street,  and  the  fuse  was  burning  in  it.  The  terrified 
artillerymen  moved  merely  to  the  sides  of  the  houses,  at  whom  our 
men  made  their  thrusts  and  right  and  left  cuts,  killing  many  in  this 
manner.  The  cavalry  rushed  over  their  cannon ; the  lancers  (how 
many  we  did  not  know,  but  supposed  there  were  three  or  four  hun- 
dred,) fled,  and  our  men  separated  into  small  parties,  pursuing  them 
beyond  the  town,  on  the  outskirts  of  which  a good  many  were  killed. 
Captain  Walker  went  beyond  the  town  for  the  purpose  of  overtaking 
the  artillery  which  had  left  the  place.  Captain  Lewis  went  in  an- 
other direction  for  the  same  purpose.  Captain  Besan^on  was  ordered 
to  follow  the  road  to  see  if  the  artillery  could  be  overtaken.  In  the 
mean  time,  most  of  our  men  having  gone  in  pursuit.  Captain  Loyall 
with  a few  men,  assisted  by  Adjutant  Claiborne,  secured  some  fifty 
or  sixty  prisoners  at  their  quarters,  together  with  their  arms,  &;c. 
Lieutenant  Claiborne  then  proceeded  to  secure  and  bring  up  to  the 
plaza  the  cannon  (three  pieces,)  we  had  captured.  Captain  Walker 
returned  about  this  time,  and  going  to  the  plaza  was  collecting  our 
men.  Lieutenant  Anderson,  of  the  Georgia  volunteers,  pursued 
and  captured  Major  Iturbide  and  Colonel  La  Vega,  (a  brother  of  the 
general’s,)  and  a lieutenant;  these  he  delivered  to  Captain  Walker. 
Lieutenant  Claiborne,  assisted  by  Corporal  Hescock  and  private 
Myers,  and  one  or  two  others,  limbered  up  the  six-pounder  and  brought 
it  to  the  plaza ; leaving  it  limbered  up  and  the  mules  standing  in  it, 
and  returning  to  get  the  four-pounder,  the  lieutenant  was  in  the  act 
of  bringing  it  up,  when  he  was  forced  to  leave  it  by  the  appearance 
of  all  Santa  Anna’s  cavalry,  two  thousand  five  hundred  strong. 
Corporal  Tilghman,  of  company  C,  (rifles,)  brought  up  a small 
howitzer.  Private  Dusenbery,  of  company  C,  took  a lieutenant  of 
artillery  prisoner,  and  turned  him  over  to  Surgeon  Reynolds.  By 
this  time  a good  many  of  our  men  had  returned,  and  w<^re  in  the 
plaza  in  scattered  groups,  when  the  lancers  charged  them  suddenly 
and  unexpectedly.  Our  men  received  them  with  great  bravery,  and 


DEATH  OF  CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


187 


kept  the  plaza,  with  the  exception  of  a few  under  Captain  Walker, 
who  retired  by  a street  leading  west  from  the  plaza ; they  were 
joined  by  Lieutenant  Claiborne  and  his  party,  who  were  approach- 
ing the  square.  Captain  Walker  led  them  from  the  plaza — the 
enemy  close  on  them  at  a charge ; he  turned  the  next  street  to  his 
left,  while  the  enemy,  seeing  the  four-pounder,  rushed  to  it  to  retake 
it.  It  was  fortunate  for  the  few  men  with  Captain  Walker  they 
saw  this  piece,  for  at  the  very  next  corner  a still  larger  force  met 
him ; he  wheeled,  and  dashing  swiftly  past  the  rear  of  those  who 
had  cut  him  off  from  the  plaza,  again  entered  it.  Here  the  men 
dismounted  and  occupied  the  convent-yard,  together  with  a large 
house  on  the  corner  of  the  square. 

“ Captain  Lewis  and  Lieutenant  Waters,  with  some  ten  or  twelve 
men,  charged  twice  upon  the  enemy,  who  gave  way,  and  were  pursu- 
ing them,  when  they  discovered  they  were  being  surrounded  by  a 
vast  number  of  the  lancers.  They  gallantly  forced  their  way  to  the 
plaza;  Captain  Besan^on  barely  returned  in  time  to  save  himself. 

“Private  Huguenin  and  Corporal  Merrillen,  of  company  C,  rifles, 
being  entirely  surrounded,  drove  right  into  their  midst,  and  fell  co- 
vered with  wounds. 

“ Captain  Walker  gave  the  orders  promptly  to  form  the  men  to  re- 
ceive the  enemy,  who  now  made  their  appearance  on  our  right,  in 
front,  and  on  our  left.  They  had  also  run  up  the  four-pounder  to 
open  on  us. 

“Lieutenant  Claiborne,  assisted  by  Corporal  Tilghman, unlimbered 
the  six-pounder,  and  pointed  it  at  the  column  on  our  left.  Having 
no  port-fire,  he  prepared  to  fire  it  with  a horse-pistol ; the  enemy 
came  nearer  and  nearer,  until  at  about  sixty  yards  off,  when  they 
halted.  At  this  moment  the  Lieutenant  fired  the  pistol,  but  the  fuse 
of  the  cannon  would  not  catch;  and  being  left  alone  in  the  plaza, 
he  retired  to  the  corner  house,  and  posted  some  riflemen  to  keep  the 
piece  from  recapture. 

“At  this  juncture  Captain  Walker,  while  examining  the  approach 
of  the  enemy,  and  looking  at  the  four-pounder  on  our  right,  was 
shot  from  behind,  from  a house  that  displayed  a white  flag.  He 
sunk  down  immediately  and  was  borne  into  the  yard,  the  men  burst- 
ing into  tears  as  the  cry  spread  among  them,  “ Captain  Walker  is 
killed.”  Captain  Walker  directed  that  w^e  should  “never  sur- 

I 


188 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


render,”  and  died  in  about  thirty  minutes.*  Captain  Lewis  made 
a detail  of  eight  men,  who  went  out  and  brought  the  six-pounder 
and  placed  it  at  the  gate.  The  enemy  menaced  us  a long  time,  and 
fired  the  four-pounder  six  or  eight  times  loaded  with  grape,  one  of 
which  discharges  shattered  the  leg  of  Frederick  Raborg,  Captain 
W.’s  interpreter,  arid  a private  of  company  C.  Seeing  the  deter- 
mination of  our  men  they  hesitated,  faltered,  and  fell  back.  Captain 
Lewis  formed  the  men  after  Walker  fell,  and  by  his  energy  and  ad- 
dress assisted  ihaterially  to  suppress  disorder. 

“ Lieutenant  Lilly  distinguished  himself  by  his  daring.  Surgeon 
Lamar  was  in  the  first  charge  by  the  side  of  Walker;  was  in  the 
plaza  when  the  charge  was  made,  and  was  saved  by  the  devoted  act 
of  Captain  Walker’s  slave  David,  who  caught  at  the  lance  aimed 
at  him,  and  received  it  himself.  He  died  in  a few  minutes.  He 
was  honest  and  faithful,  and  a favourite  of  his  noble  master.  “ In 
death  they  were  not  divided.” 

“ The  infantry  came  up  as  the  enemy  were  retiring — Colonel  Gor- 
man’s being  the  only  portion  of  the  infantry  that  got  a shot  at  the 
enemy.  There  is  much  praise  due  them  for  the  gallant  manner  in 
which  they  strove  to  be  with  the  cavalry.  They  ran  themselves  out 
of  breath,  and  then  ran  on.  Never  were  men  more  anxious  to  reach 
an  enemy.  They  had  discovered  the  immense  body  of  cavalry  that 
was  making  its  way  in  a gallop  by  a parallel  road  to  the  town,  and 
both  tried  to  reach  town  first.  When  they  got  to  town  we  had  pos- 
session. Surgeon  Reynolds  behaved  very  gallantly,  and  his  whole 
energies  after  the  fight  were  bestowed  upon  the  wounded. 

“ The  whole  force  of  Captain  Walker’s  command  did  not  exceed 
one  hundred  and  ninety-five.  The  enemy  dispersed  on  the  first 
charge.  There  must  have  been  more  than  five  hundred,  and  in  the 
subsequent  fight  they  were  two  thousand  five  hundred  strong.  Com- 
pany C lost  its  gallant  captain,  whose  fame  needs  no  eulogy,  and 
whose  loss  is  irreparable.  His  valour,  often  tried,  is  appreciated  by 
the  whole  of  his  countrymen.  Peace  to  the  ashes  of  the  noble  and 
gallant  captain  ! 

* It  is  proper  to  state,  that  an  account  different  from  that  in  the  text  has 
been  given  of  the  captain’s  death.  This  account  says,  “he  was  foremost 
in  tlie  charge,  and  after  displaying  great  intrepidity,  attacked  a young  lancer 
and  killed  him.  The  father  of  the  latter  then  rushed  upon  Walker,  and 
pierced  him  With  his  lance.”  The  story  in  the  text  seems  most  authentic. 


CHARACTER  OF  WALKER. 


189 


“Killed,  Corporal  Merriken,  Privates  Huguenin  and  Tarbox. 
Woundedy  Corporal  Glanding,  (since  died;)  Meachem,  (severely;) 
Raborg,  (lost  a leg;)  Welch,  Wayne,  McGill,  Scott,  and  Myors, 
slightly.  Missing,  Sergeant  Goslin  ; Privates  Dement,  Darlington, 
Collins,  McCleary,  and  Richards,  of  company  C,  rifles.  Captain 
Lewis’s  company.  Private  Murry,  wounded.  Captain  Loyall’s 
company,  killed.  Private  Richardson ; slightly  wounded.  Privates 
Fornely  and  Milton. 

“ The  enemy  lost  over  one  hundred  men,  two  pieces  of  artillery, 
and  large  quantities  of  ammunition.  Most  of  the  prisoners  escaped 
during  the  charge. 

“ The  command  behaved  in  the  most  gallant  manner,  and  received 
the  highest  praises  from  the  commanding  general.  The  whole  force 
under  General  Lane  returned  to  camp  that  night.” 

When  the  news  of  Walker’s  death  reached  the  United  States, 
it  created  the  deepest  sensations  of  sorrow.  The  chivalric  exploits 
of  the  gallant  ranger,  during  the  hours  of  gloom  and  anxiety  on  the 
Rio  Grande,  united  with  a remembrance  of  his  former  sufferings, 
had  endeared  his  name  to  all.  The  press  especially  was  eloquent 
in  its  contribution  of  respect.  Among  other  notices  were  the  follow- 
ing 

“ It  would  be  in  vain  for  me,”  says  the  New  Orleans  correspondent 
of  the  Baltimore  Sun,  “ to  attempt  to  describe  the  state  of  public 
feeling  here  this  morning,  on  reading  the  above  brief  but  deeply 
interesting  information  in  the  caption  of  the  news  by  your  special 
express  from  Mexico.  The  brave  and  patriotic  Walker  was  our 
fellow-citizen ; we  have  known  him  from  his  youth  up ; he  was  an 
independent  mechanic,  who  laid  aside  the  implements  of  his  trade, 
and  cheerfully  volunteered  his  services  in  the  hardest,  roughest  kind 
of  warfare.  He  encountered  peril  from  which  escape  was  almost 
miraculous,  and  fought  his  way,  through  desperate  risks,  to  promo- 
tion and  distinguished  honour. 

“ I now  assume  a responsibility  hitherto  prohibited.  Captain 
Walker  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  Major-General  Scott  in  an  emin'ent 
degree.  He  was  opposed  to  formidable  display  in  taking  possession 
of  defenceless  towns  or  villages,  or  of  intimidating  unprotected  wo- 
men and  children.  So  far  from  being  censured  for  sacking  a certain 
village,  and  allowing  the  perpetration  of  outrages,  the  ‘ head  and 


190 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


front’  of  his  offence,  as  charged  by  a superior  officer,  was  disobe- 
dience of  orders,  in  refusing  to  enter  a village  under  a charge. 

' In  the  midst  of  this  bereavement,  it  is  gratifying  to  perceive, 
that  in  the  fatal  engagement  both  the  accuser  and  the  accused  were 
participants,  leaving  little  or  no  room  to  doubt  that  existing  difiiH^l- 
ties  had  been  amicably  adjusted,  and  honourably  to  both  parties. 

“ I understand  that  it  is  the  intention  of  our  mayor  to  make  a 
communication  to  the  councils  in  relation  to  the  melancholy  event, 
and  that  every  demonstration  of  respect  will  be  paid  to  the  memory 
of  the  gallant  dead.” 

The  Baltimore  Clipper  says  — “The  rumoured  death  of  Captain 
Walker,  the  gallant  Texan  Ranger,  has  created  profound  regret  in 
this  city,  where  he  was  well  known,  apd  attached  to  whose  company 
is  a large  number  of  Marylanders,  many  of  thern.  from  this  city. 
Captain  Walker  was  a native  of  Prince  George’s  county,  but  had 
resided  for  several  years  in  Texas.  As  several  of  his  men  are  also 
reported  to  have  been  killed,  their  names  will  be  looked  for  with  the 
most  painful  anxiety  by  those  having  relatives  and  friends  in  his 
company.” 

The  following  more  extended  notice  is  from  the  New  Orleans 
Delta : 

“ The  death  of  the  gallant  Texan,  whose  fame  has  been  extended 
over  our  whole  country,  and  reached  foreign  and  remote  lands,  has 
created  a melancholy  sensation  in  our  city.  He  was  well  known 
here,  and  had  many  friends,  some  of  whom  had  witnessed,  and  all 
had  warmly  admired  his  daring  and  intrepidity.  We  all  remember 
his  brilliant  deeds  on  the  Rio  Grande,  in  cutting  his  way  with  a few 
gallant  companions  through  Arista’s  large  army,  communicating 
with  Fort  Brown,  then  besieged,  and  returning  to  General  Taylor 
with  full  information  of  the  state  of  things  in  the  fort,  and  the  posi- 
tion of  the  Mexican  army  : we  remember  his  boldness  and  sagacity 
on  the  bloody  fields  of  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  where  he  unhorsed  a 
Mexican  lancer,  and  chased  the  retreating  foe  on  the  charger  of  the 
slain  Mexican. 

“These  have  become  part  of  our  national  glory  and  of  our  national 
records.  They  will  be  immortal  in  history  and  in  song.  But  long 
before  this  Mexican  war  had  begun.  Captain  Walker  had  shown 
himself  the  hero.  In  that  extraordinary  expedition,  whose  history 
furnishes  the  most  striking  examples  of  the  courage,  fortitude,  firm- 


CHARACTER  OF  WALKER. 


191 


ness  and  vigour  of  the  American  character  which  have  ever  been 
recorded — the  Texan  expedition  against  Mier — Samuel  H.  Walker, 
though  but  a beardless  youth,  was  one  of  the  leading  spirits,  ever 
foremost  in  the  combat,  and  the  last  to  yield.  Endowed  with  great 
activity  and  skill  in  the  use  of  arms,  whether  the  deadly  rifle,  the 
sure  revolver,  or  the  irresistible  bowie-knife ; capable  of  great  en- 
durance against  all  the  dangers,  sufferings  and  trials  of  the  battle, 
of  captivity,  chains,  want  and  starvation,  he  was  a terror  to  the 
Mexicans. 

“ These  qualities  enabled  him  to  pass  safely  through  the  unpa- 
ralleled fight  of  Mier,  where  two  hundred  Texans  kept  at  bay  Am- 
pudia  and  a large  and  complete  Mexican  army  of  two  thousand, 
slaying  five  or  six  hundred,  and  only  surrendering  on  honourable 
terms,  which  were  basely  violated  by  the  brutal  Ampudia;  to  bear 
up  under  the  horrible  oppression  and  cruelty  of  the  Mexicans  whilst 
a prisoner;  to  sustain  the  severest  visitations  of  hunger,  thirst  and 
destitution  in  the  desert  valley  of  Salado;  and,  finally,  to  break 
through  the  walls  and  iron  bars  of  that  famous  Mexican  bastile,  the 
castle  of  Perote. 

“ By  a strange  coincidence,  he  has  now  fallen  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  the  castle,  where  he  once  pined  in  captivity,  but  not  in  his 
former  unhappy  condition,  as  one  of  a few  ragged,  dispirited,  half- 
starved  prisoners,  jeered  at  by  the  dastard  Mexicans ; but  he  fell  in 
glorious  battle,  heading  the  charge  of  the  resistless  rangers,  and  in 
the  arms  of  victory.  Captain  Walker  was  one  of  the  best  spies  or 
rangers  on  this  continent.  We  have  heard  Colonel  Hays  and  Major 
McCulloch  say  that  if  they  required  a man  to  go  into  the  enemy’s 
3amp,  or  approach  his  lines,  and  pry  out  his  designs,  or  perform 
iny  other  act  requiring  great  danger,  coolness  and  sagacity,  they 
would  select  Walker  in  preference  to  any  other  man  living. 

“Just  previous  to  the  attack  of  the  Texans  on  Mier,  Captain 
Walker  entered  the  town,  mixed  with  the  people,  ascertained  the 
condition  of  things,  reported  to  his  commander,  and  subsequently 
guided  the  Texans  through  the  streets  of  Mier.  He  was  then  a 
youth  of  about  twenty  years. 

“We  have  now  before  us  a letter  from  a gallant  young  officer 
stationed  at  Perote  castle,  dated  August  last,  in  which  occurs  the 
following  allusion  to  Walker,  with  which  we  conclude  this  notice: 

“‘Who,  I ask,  has  not  seen  or  heard  of  the  gallant  Walker’s 


192 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


bravery  ? To  estimate  him  properly  they  should  see  him  in  his 
proper  element.  The  captain  in  the  States  is  quite  a different  indi- 
vidual from  the  captain  under  the  galling  fire  of  a foe.  He  is  one 
of  the  few  who  retain  their  courage  and  composure  under  all  cir- 
cumstances. In  perils  the  most  appalling,  he  has  the  courage  of  one 
born  to  command.  I was  at  his  side  in  the  battle  offLa  Hoya,  when, 
with  his  company  (C)  of  the  rifles,  he  charged  and  defeated  fifteen 
hundred  Mexicans.  Would  that  some  of  our  fathers,  wives,  bro- 
thers and  sisters  could  have  been  placed  on  the  summit  of  a neigh- 
bouring mountain,  to  witness  that  charge  of  the  rifles,  as  with  up- 
lifted glittering  sabres  they  obeyed  the  loud  call  of  their  leader — 
‘Follow  me — charge — hurra!’ — and  could  have  seen  how  the  nu- 
merous foe  began  to  waver,  break,  and  finally  take  to  their  heels 
before  our  little  band.’  ” 

In  Washington  city,  a communication  from  the  Mayor  was  re- 
ceived by  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  suggesting  some  tribute  of  respect 
to  the  memories  of  Captains  Graham,  Hanson  and  Walker,  news 
of  whose  deaths  had  just  been  received.  Immediately,  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  were  unanimously  passed,  after  eloquent  remarks 
from  Messrs.  B.  B.  French  and  J.  T.  Towers. 

Resolved,  That  the  two  Boards  have  heard  with  deep  emotion 
the  communication  of  the  Mayor,  calling  the  attention  of  the  two 
Boards  to  the  fall  in  battle  of  Captains  James  Graham,  Charles 
Hanson,  and  Samuel  H.  Walker,  three  brave  officers  of  the  army 
of  the  United  States,  all  residents  and  two  of  them  natives  of  this 
city. 

Resolved,  That  the  sympathy  of  the  two  Boards  be  tendered 
to  the  relations  of  the  deceased. 

“ Resolved,  That  the  two  Boards  will  wear  the  usual  badge  of 
mourning  for  thirty  days,  in  testimony  of  their  respect  for  the 
memory  of  the  deceased. 

“ Resolved,  That  a joint  committee  of  five  members,  two  from 
the  Board  of  Aldermen  and  three  from  the  Board  of  Common  Coun- 
cil, be  appointed  to  recommend  such  further  testimonials  of  respect 
as  they  may  deem  expedient.” 

The  death  of  Walker  has  thrown  an  interest  around  the  battle 
of  Huamantla  far  greater  than  its  own  importance  could  merit. 
Many  of  the  incidents  connected  with  it  have  been  carefully  col- 


ANECDOTES. 


193 


iLCted  by  the  different  journals,  especially  those  which  relate  to  the 
ranger’s  death.  The  following  are  a few  of  the  most  interesting : — 

“I  heard  a touching  anecdote  of  Colonel  Wynkoop  and  Captain 
Walker  yesterday,  which  I fear  I cannot  give  as  I received  it.  It  is 
known,  probably,  in  the  United  Stales,  that  difficulties  had  existed 
between  these  gentlemen,  which  their  mutual  friends  have  always 
regretted.  They  had,  I believe,  preferred  charges  against  each 
other,  but  when  Colonel  Wynkoop  heard  that  Captain  Walker  was 
seriously  wounded^  and  not  likely  to  live,  he  sent  a staff  officer  at 
once  to  beg  an  interview  with  the  dying  chief.  Becoming  impa- 
tient before  the  return  of  his  messenger,  the  colonel  hastened  to 
where  the  captain  lay  and  found  him  dead.  The  shock  to  him  was 
overwhelming,  and  he  could  scarcely  utter  a word.  In  a few  mo- 
ments, however,  he  said,  with  much  emotion,  ‘ I would  give  six 
years  of  my  life  for  one  word  with  that  man!’ — and  turned  from 
the  corps  to  ask  of  General  Lane  the  command  of  W alker’s  troop, 
that  he  might  dash  upon  the  retreating  enemy  and  avenge  the  death 
of  the  gallant  trooper  1 The  General  refused  this  request,  as 
Walker’s  men  had  been  greatly  reduced,  and  those  not  killed  were 
much  exhausted  ; and  Colonel  Wynkoop  returned  to  his  command 
with  a heavy  heart.” 

“At  the  time  that  the  gallant  Walker  was  attacked  by  the  Mexi- 
can reinforcements,  one  of  his  men  was  despatched  to  watch  the 
approach  of  the  column  of  infantry,  and  by  signals  to  hasten  its 
movements.  He  ascended  the  steeple  of  an  immense  church,  and 
at  a distance  of  some  two  hundred  feet  from  the  earth,  got  out  upon 
a platform,  about  thirty  inches  in  width,  which  ran  around  the 
steeple.  Missing  his  footing,  he  fell  upon  the  platform  and  dislo- 
cated his  thigh, — narrowly  escaping  a fall  to  the  earth.  After  the 
battle  was  over,  the  poor  fellow’s  cries  attracted  attention,  and  some 
of  his  comrades  ascended  to  assist  him  down  again.  He  was,  how- 
ever, found  to  be  so  badly  injured,  and  suffering  such  intense  pain, 
that  it  was  impossible  to  remove  him,  until  the  dislocated  bone  should 
be  replaced.  Surgeon  Reynolds  ascended  for  that  purpose.  In  his 
first  effort,  his  hold  upon  the  limb  slipped,  and  losing  his  own 
balance,  he  was  very  near  being  thrown  to  the  ground.  He  was, 
however,  fortunate  enough  to  grasp  a fixture  of  the  steeple,  by 
which  he  recovered  his  position,  and  upon  that  narrow  platform, 
with  the  aid  of  one  or  two  men,  he  replaced  the  bone  in  its  socket, — 
17 


194 


CAPTAIN  WALKER. 


and  the  man  was  carried  down,  and  speedily  recovered.  We  doubt 
very  much  whether  a dislocated  limb  was  ever  set  in  such  a place, 
and  under  such  circumstances.” 

“ When  Walker’s  remains  were  taken  to  Puebla,  the  carpenter 
made  the  coffin  too  small ; whereupon  Lieutenant  Clinton,  of  Scott’s 
company,  1st  Pennsylvania,  took  off  his  uniform,  rolled  up  his 
sleeves,  and  made  him  a coffin  himself.  He  is  a carpenter,  it  is 
stated,  and  is  from  Moyamensing  or  Southwark,  in  Philadelphia. 
Lieutenant  Breese,  of  the  same  company,  who  is  a blacksmith,  en- 
tered a smithery,  and  made  the  nails.  It  is  said  that  while  these 
officers  were  at  their  ‘job,’  General  La  Vega  and  young  Iturbide, 
both  prisoners  of  war,  looked  on  in  perfect  amazement.  Such  ver- 
satility of  acquirements  as  they  were  witnesses  of  in  this  instance, 
took  them  by  surprise.  They  had  already  seen  what  proficients  they 
were  in  the  art  of  war,  and  they  now  saw  them  no  less  at  home  as 
members  of  the  mechanic  arts.” 

The  following  testimonials  of  esteem,  [passed  December  7th, 
1847,]  from  the  citizens  of  Washington,  convened  by  appointment, 
will  show  how  deeply  the  memory  of  “ the  Texas  Ranger”  is  graven 
on  the  hearts  of  his  fellow-citizens. 

“ On  motion  of  Walter  Lenox,  Esq.,  the  Mayor  was  called  to  the 
Chair,  and  explained  the  objects  of  the  meeting. 

“ On  motion  of  J.  W.  Jones,  Esq.,  John  T.  Towers  was  appointed 
secretary  of  the  meeting. 

“ On  motion  of  William  Archer,  Esq.,  a committee  of  three  were 
appointed  for  the  purpose  of  preparing  resolutions  to  carry  into 
effect  the  objects  of  the  meeting,  consisting  of  Dr.  Blake,  J.  W. 
Jones,  and  John  Y.  Bryant,  Esqrs. 

“ Mr.  Archer  then  addressed  the  meeting  in  a few  eloquent  and 
appropriate  remarks,  and  concluded  by  reciting  an  elegy  on  the 
death  of  Captain  Samuel  H.  Walker. 

“Dr.  Blake,  from  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
offered  the  following  resolutions,  which  were  unanimously  adopted : 

“ Resolved^  That  deeply  deploring  the  loss  that  the  country,  and 
this  city  in  particular,  has  sustained  in  the  deaths  of  Captains  Walker 
and  Hanson,  who  so  gloriously  fell  in  the  battles  of  Huamantla  and 
Contreras,  we,  the  citizens  of  Washington,  in  town  meeting  assem- 
bled, recommend  to  the  corporate  authorities  to  adopt  appropriate 
measures  to  have  their  remains  brought  home  for  interment. 


TESTIMONIALS  OF  RESPECT. 


195 


“ Resolved^  That  the  corporate  authorities  be  further  requested  to 
cause  suitable  monuments,  with  appropriate  inscriptions,  to  be  erect- 
ed to  the  memories  of  those  gallant  and  lamented  officers. 

“ Resolved,  That  a committee  of  two  from  each  ward  be  now  ap- 
pointed to  make  suitable  arrangements  for  the  funeral,  and  that  the 
military  companies  of  the  city  be  especially  invited  to  attend. 

“ In  pursuance  of  the  last  resolution  the  Chair  appointed  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen  as  the  committee : 

First  Ward, — Messrs.  Wm.  Wilson  and  J.  H.  McBlair. 

“ Second  Ward, — Dr.  Flodoardo  Howard  and  Mr.  John  C.  Rives. 

Third  Ward, — Messrs.  Peter  Force  and  J.  Y.  Bryant. 

^'‘Fourth  Ward, — ^Messrs.  George  S.  Gideon  and  W.  H.  Winter. 

*'^Fifth  Ward, — Messrs.  John  Purdy  and  Peter  Brady. 

Sixth  Ward, — Messrs.  Wm.  M.  Ellis  and  R.  H.  Harrington. 

^‘Seventh  Ward, — Messrs.  W.  B.  Randolph  and  J.  W.  Jones. 

“ The  meeting  then  adjourned. 

“W  W\  SEATON,  Chairman. 

“ Jno.  T.  TowERS,-Secretary.”  ^ 


/ 


CAPTAIN  M’CULLOCH. 


Captain  Benjamin  McCulloch  was  born  in  Rutherford  county, 
Tennessee,  about  the  year  1814.  His  father  was  aid-de-camp  to 
General  Coffee,  and  served  under  General  Jackson  in  the  Creek 
war.  He  fought  under  the  latter  officer  at  Talladega,  Tallahassee, 
and  the  Horse-Shoe  Bend,  where  he  exhibited  that  reckless  daring, 
which  often  proves  so  efficient  against  savages,  and  which  has  since 
rendered  his  son  so  famous.  Young  McCulloch  was  early  placed 
at  school,  where  he  remained  until  his  fourteenth  year,  at  which 
time  his  father  removed  to  the  western  part  of  the  state,  and  settled 
in  Dyer  county.  This  neighbourhood  was  then  a wilderness, 
covered  with  swamps  and  dense  forests,  and  infested  by  wild  ani- 
mals. Bears  were  so  abundant  as  to  form  the  principal  meat  of  the 
settlers ; and  the  hunting  of  them  was  an  essential  part  of  youthful 
education.  McCulloch  soon  signalized  himself  in  this  dangerous 
occupation,  and  became  renowned  throughout  the  settlement  as  a 
most  successful  hunter. 

A youth  spent  in  this  manner  could  not  fail  to  engraft  a love  of 
enterprize  and  roving  adventure  into  the  bosom  of  the  young  Ten- 
nesseean. Accordingly,  having  reached  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he 
set  out  for  St.  Louis,  in  order  to  join  a trapper  company  destined 
for  the  Rocky  Mountains.  Much  to  his  disappointment,  he  arri\^ed 
at  that  city  after  the  expedition  had  started.  He  then  applied  for 
admission  into  a company  of  Santa  Fe  traders,  but  here  he  was  also 
unsuccessful,  as  their  number  was  complete. 

Disappointed  in  his  ardent  expectations,  McCulloch  seems  to  have 
given  up  his  intentions  at  roving  for  awhile,  as  we  hear  little  of  him 
until  the  war  between  Texas  and  Mexico.  This  at  once  roused  his 
daring  rit.  The  deep  feeling  excited  throughout  the  United 
StatOw  oy  this  event  is  well  known.  The  barbarity  of  the  Mexicans, 

(196) 


m’cullocii’s  early  life. 


197 


the  sufferings  of  the  patriots,  and  their  claim,  both  by  manners  and 
descent,  on  the  sympathies  of  our  people,  caused  their  northern 
neighbours  to  regard  them  as  brothers,  and  their  privations  as  mar- 
tyrdoms in  the  sacred  cause  of  liberty. 

The  following  incident,  though  small  in  itself,  is  replete  with  im- 
portance in  its  consequences.  It  is  taken  from  the  valuable  work 
already  quoted, — ^Reid’s  Texas  Rangers. 

“ In  September,  McCulloch  returned  home,  and  soon  after  his 
arrival  called  on  Colonel  David  Crockett,  who  was  making  up  an 
expedition  to  go  to  Texas,  to  take  part  in  the  revolution  that  had  then 
broken  out  in  Mexico  ; the  whole  south-west  at  that  time  was  alive 
with  feelings  of  sympathy  for  the  Texans,  and  numbers  were  daily 
flocking  to  their  standard.  McCulloch  agreed  to  accompany  Colo- 
nel Crockett  to  Texas.  Nacogdoches  had  been  appointed  the  place 
of  rendezvous  from  which  the  expedition  was  to  start,  and  the 
Christmas  of  1835  was  named  the  day  for  the  meeting,  when,  as 
‘old  Davy’  said,  they  were  to  make  their  Christmas  dinner  off  the 
hump  of  a buffalo.  Unfortunately,  however,  McCulloch  did  not 
arrive  until  early  in  January,  and  finding  that  the  party  was  gone, 
he  proceeded  on  by  himself  to  the  river  Brazos,  where  he  was  taken 
very  ill,  and  did  not  recover  until  after  the  fall  of  the  Alamo. 
McCulloch’s  disappointment  was  very  great  at  not  being  able  to 
join  the  gallant  band  of  patriots  at  the  time,  but  which  afterwards 
proved  very  fortunate  for  him ; for  Colonel  Travis,  after  having 
sustained  a siege  for  thirteen  days,  with  only  one  hundred  and  eight 
Texans  against  Santa  Anna’s  army,  fell  with  his  brave  little  band, 
having  previously  killed  nine  hundred  of  the  enemy. 

“ After  his  recovery,  he  descended  the  Brazos  river  in  a boat  to 
Grass  Plant,  where  the  Texan  army^had  assembled,  under  General 
Houston,  and  was  induct  to  join  the  artillery  iJyTlieir  making  him 
captain  of  a gun.  This  he  gallantly  served  at  the  battle  of  San  Ja- 
cinto, where  Santa  Anna  was  made  prisoner,  and  his  army  of  fifteen 
hundred  killed  or  captured.” 

After  this  battle,  McCulloch  continued  actively  engaged  in  the 
partisan  warfare  between  Texas  and  Mexico,  besides  assisting  in 
several  expeditions  against  the  border  Indians.  He  was  witn  the 
famous  party  concerned  in  the  capture  of  Mier,  but  in  consequence 
of  leaving  it  before  the  surrender  to  Ampudia,  he  escaped  the  trials 
to  which  its  members  were  exposed  in  Mexico.  He  finally  settled 
17^ 


198  CAPTAIN  M’cULLOCH. 

in  Gonzales  county,  and  became  useful  in  surveying  and  apportion- 
ing land. 

Like  many  of  the  Texans  who  had  suffered  during  the  revolution, 
McCulloch  immediately  joined  the  standard  of  the  United  States, 
at  the  opening  of  the  war  with  Mexico,  and  hurried  forward  to  meet 
his  old  enemies.  He  was  not  able  to  organize  his  company  of 
mounted  “Texas  Rangers”  until  after  the  capture  of  Matamoras, 
and  of  course  missed  the  battles  on  the  Rio  Grande. 

Reid  thus  describes  the  camp  and  appearance  of  this  celebrated 
ranger : “ Captain  McCulloch  is  a man  of  rather  delicate  frame, 
of  about  five  feet  ten  inches  in  height,  with  light  hair  and  com- 
plexion. His  features  are  regular  and  pleasing,  though,  from  long 
exposure  on  the  frontier,  they  have  a weather-beaten  cast.  His 
quick  and  bright  blue  eye,  with  a mouth  of  thin  compressed  lips, 
indicate  the  cool,  calculating,  as  well  as  the  brave  and  daring  energy 
of  the  man.  ^ * * 

“The  first  of  July  was  a clear  beautiful  day.  We  had  had  very 
heavy  rains  for  the  last  week,  and  to  see  a bright  day  once  more 
was  a great  relief  to  us  all.  In  the  morning  we  rode  up  to  Fort 
Paredes,  which  was  now  garrisoned  by  our  troops,  and  crossed  the 
river ; then  taking  a winding  path  along  the  banks  of  the  opposite 
shore,  through  corn-fields,  we  arrived  at  last  at  the  camp  of  the 
Rangers.  Here  was  a scene  worthy  of  the  pencil.  Men  in  groups, 
with  long  beards  and  mustachios,  dressed  in  every  variety  of  garment, 
with  one  exception,  the  slouched  hat,  the  unmistakeable  uniform  of 
a Texas  Ranger,  and  a belt  of  pistols  around  their  waists,  were  occu- 
pied drying  their  blankets,  cleaning  and  fixing  their  guns,  and  some 
employed  cooking  at 'different  fires,  while  others  were  grooming 
their  horses.  A rougher-looking  set  we  never  saw.  They  were 
without  tents,  and  a miserable  shed  afforded  them  the  only  shelter. 
Captain  McCulloch  introduced  us  to  his  officers  and  many  of  his 
men,  who  appeared  an  orderly  and  well-mannered  people.  But 
from  their  rough  exterior  it  was  hard  to  tell  who  or  what  they  vvere. 
Notwithstanding  their  ferocious  and  outlaw  look,  there  were  among 
them  doctors  and  lawyers  and  manj'-  a college  graduate.  While 
standing  in  the  midst  of  a group,  talking  to  the  captain,  a young 
fellow  came  into  camp  with  a rifle  on  his  shoulder,  and  a couple  of 
ducks  in  his  hand,  and  addressing  the  captain,  said,  ‘Ben,  if  you 
havn’t  had  dinner,  you’d  better  mess  with  me,  for  I know  none  of 


EMPLOYED  AS  A SCOUT. 


199 


the  rest  have  fresh  grub  to-day.’  After  an  invitation  to  stay  to  din- 
ner, we  were  informed  that  the  company  would  move  up  to  Reynosa, 
in  a day  or  two,  and  were  told  to  prepare  to  go  with  it.” 

After  the  fall  of  Matamoras,  McCulloch  advanced  to  the  town  of 
Reynosa,  where  he  remained  for  a while  under  command  of  Colonel 
Watson.  Leaving  this  place  with  his  company,  he  pressed  further 
into  the  interior,  and  took  possession  of  the  town  of  China.  Soon 
after,  he  entered  Camargo,  about  the  same  time  that  General  Taylor 
was  marching  to  attack  Monterey. 

McCulloch  was  now  employed  by  the  commanding  general  to 
scout  in  advance  of  the  main  army,  and  give  immediate  information 
of  all  movements  of  the  garrison  at  Monterey,  and  of  the  army  said 
to  be  advancing  under  General  Ampudia.  His  services  to  General 
Taylor  were  invaluable;  they  formed  the  basis  of  all  the  introduc- 
tory movements  against  the  city. 

On  the  11th  of  September,  the  following  orders  were  issued  to 
the  whole  army  at  Serralvo.  They  show  the  position  of  the  rangers 
during  the  march. 

“ As  the  army  may  expect  to  meet  resistance  in  the  farther  ad- 
vance toward  Monterey,  it  is  necessary  that  the  march  should  be 
conducted  with  all  proper  precaution,  to  meet  an  attack  and  secure 
the  baggage  and  supplies. 

“ From  this  point  the  following  will  be  the  order  of  march,  until 
otherwise  directed : — 

“ All  the  pioneers  of  the  army,  consolidated  into  one  party,  will 
march  early  to-morrow  on  the  route  to  Marin,  for  the  purpose  of  re- 
pairing the  roads,  and  rendering  them  practicable  for  artillery  and 
wagons.  The  pioneers  of  each  division  will  be  under  a subaltern, 
to  be  specially  detailed  for  the  duty,  and  the  whole  will  be  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Craig,  3d  infantry,  who  will  report  to  head- 
quarters for  instructions.  This  pioneer  party  will  be  covered  by  a 
squadron  of  dragoons,  and  Captain  McCulloch’s  company  of  rangers. 
Two  officers  of  topographical  engineers,  to  be  detailed  by  Captain 
Williams,  will  accompany  the  party,  for  the  purpose  of  examining 
the  route.  Two  wagons  will  be  provided  by  the  quartermaster’s 
department,  for  the  transportation  of  the  tools,  provisions,  and  knap- 
saclcs  of  the  pioneer  party. 

“ The  first  division  will  march  on  the  13th  instant,  to  be  followed 
on  'successive  days  by  the  second  division,  and  field  division  of 


200 


CAPTAIN  m’CULLOCH. 


volunteers.  The  head-quarters  will  march  with  the  first  division. 
Captain  Gillespie,  with  half  of  his  company,  will  report  to  Major- 
General  Butler;  the  other  half,  under  the  first  lieutenant,  to  Briga- 
dier-General Worth.  These  detachments  will  be  employed  for  out- 
posts and  videttes,  and  as  expresses  between  the  column  and  head- 
quarters. 

“ The  subsistence  supplies  will  be  divided  between  the  three  co- 
lumns ; the  senior  commissary  of  each  division  receipting  for  the 
stores,  and  being  charged  with  their  care  and  management.  The 
senior  commissaries  of  divisions  will  report  to  Captain  Waggaman 
for  this  duty. 

“Each  division  will  be  followed  immediately  by  its  baggage 
train,  with  a strong  rear-guard.  The  ordnance  train  under  Captain 
Bamsay,  will  march  with  the  second  division,  between  its  baggage 
and  supply  train,  and  will  come  under  the  protection  of  the  guard 
of  that  division.  The  medical  supplies  will  in  like  manner  march 
with  the  first  division. 

“ The  troops  will  take  eight  days’  rations,  and  forty  rounds  of 
ammunition.  All  surplus  arms  and  accoutrements,  resulting  from 
casualties  on  the  road,  will  be  deposited  with  Lieutenant  Stewart, 
left  in  charge  of  the  depot  at  this  place,  who  will  give  certificates 
of  deposite  to  the  company  commanders. 

“ The  wagons  appropriated  for  transportation  of  water  will  not 
be  required,  and  will  be  turned  over  to  the  quartermaster’s  depart- 
ment, for  general  purposes. 

“ Two  companies  of  the  Mississippi  regiment  will  be  designated 
for  the  garrison  of  this  place.  All  sick  and  disabled  men,  unfit  for 
the  march,  will  be  left  behind  under  charge  of  a medical  officer,  to 
be  selected  for  this  duty  by  the  medical  director.” 

In  obedience  to  these  orders,  the  advance  marched  for  Marin  early 
on  the  12th.  It  was  composed  of  McCulloch’s  rangers,  Captain 
Graham’s  dragoons,  and  a small  body  of  pioneers  and  engineers. 
On  the  14th,  the  rangers  encountered  a body  of  two  hundred 
mounted  Mexicans,  whom  they  defeated,  driving  them  in  hot  haste 
through  the  little  town  of  Ramos.  On  the  following  day  McCul- 
loch entered  Marin.  The  entrance  is  thus  described  by  Mr. 
Kendall : — * 

"‘On  reaching  the  hill  overlooking  the  town,  eight  hundred, or  a 
thousand  yards  distant,  we  came  in  plain  sight  of  a large  body  of 


APPROACH  TO  MARIN. 


201 


the  enemy’s  cavalry,  ranged  in  their  principal  street,  and  evidently 
much  flurried  by  our  appearance.  They  were  armed  with  new 
escopetas  and  lances,  and  among  their  uniforms  were  many  of  bright 
scarlet. 

“With  a force  entirely  too  small  to  approach  nearer — having 
only  twenty-five  men  with  him — McCulloch  ordered  a halt.  The 
plaza  was  concealed  from  sight  by  the  church  and  the  adjoining 
buildings,  making  it  impossible  to  tell  whether  or  not  there  were  any 
infantry  or  artillery  in  the  town.  The  place  oflered  every  opportu- 
nity for  concealing  an  enemy  of  thousands  ; and  as  our  commander 
was  not  so  particularly  certain  that  the  Mexicans  might  not  send  an 
eighteen  pound  shot,  or  some  missile  of  the  kind  up  our  way  on  a 
flying  visit,  we  were  ordered  to  scatter  a little  along  the  brow  of  the 
hill.  Scouts  in  the  mean  time  were  sent  out  to  prevent  a party 
from  getting  in  our  rear,  as  the  advance  of  General  Taylor  was  still 
several  miles  ofT. 

“For  an  hour  we  sat  watching  the  hurried  movements  of  the 
cavalry  in  the  town,  unable  to  make  out  their  intentions.  Horses 
were  plainly  seen  dashing  and  cavorting  about,  while  men  on  foot 
were  jumping  to  get  out  of  their  way.  Several  greasers — ^Mexicans 
of  the  lower  order  dressed  in  greasy  buckskin — were  taken  in  the 
chapparal  close  by  us,  or  voluntarily  came  up,  stating,  that  the 
party  below  us  was  commanded  by  General  Torrejon,  who  had 
driven  them  out  of  the  place,  anfl  had  threatened  to  destroy  theii 
houses  before  the  Americans  should  gain  possession.  They  pointed 
out  their  jacales  (cottages)  and  casas  (houses)  to  us,  and  implored 
our  assistance  in  saving  them.  Singular  war  this,  and  more  singu- 
lar the  people. 

“ In  about  an  hour  the  cavalry  began  to  move  ofT  in  order,  taking 
the  route  toward  Monterey,  now  indistinctly  seen  lying  at  the  foot 
of  a large  mountain,  ten  or  eleven  leagues  ofT.  Their  rear  had  not 
yet  left  the  place  before  McCulloch,  accompanied  only  by  Colonel 
Peyton,  was  dogging  after  them,  intent  on  watching  their  move- 
ments. In  half  an  hour’s  time  our  captain  appeared,  near  the  main 
street,  and  beckoned  us  down,  and  in  five  minutes  more  we  were 
all  in  the  plaza.  Nearly  every  house  was  closed,  and  the  few  men 
we  met  — for  the  women  had  all  been  taken  off — greeted  us  as 
amigos  or  friends,  with  their  hats  in  their  hands.  One  old  fellow, 
living  in  a large  house  next  door  to  the  church,  said  he  had  been 


202 


CAPTAIN  M’CULLOCH. 


beaten -^-severely  beaten  — after  we  had  appeared  in  the  night,  by 
gome  of  Torrejon’s  officers,  to  induce  him  to  leave ; but,  regardless 
of  blows,  he  had  determined  to  stick,  by  his  premises  and  property. 
All  the  inhabitants  had  been  shamefully  abused,  their  property 
taken  from  them,  and  they  were  then  driven  into  the  chapparal ; 
and  we  were  told  that  in  an  hour’s  time  more,  had  our  company  not 
appeared  in  sight,  they  would  have  set  fire  to  the  place. 

“ Such  is  the  policy  which  has  been  adopted,  and  such  the  course 
pursued  by  Torrejon,  at  every  rancho  and  town  since  the  enemy 
left  Serralvo.  To  drive  off  the  Inhabitants  and  destroy  all  the  sup- 
plies on  the  road,  is  the  game  they  are  now  playing,  certainly  de- 
termining to  harass  General  Taylor,  if  they  do  not  intend  to  fight 
him.  The  Mexicans  all  along  on  the  road  spoke  confidently  that 
General  Taylor  would  meet  with  stout  resistance  at  this  place ; but 
the  force  we  met  only  amounted  to  some  eight  hundred  or  a thou- 
sand cavalry,  and  they  started  off  without  firing  a gun.” 

McCulloch’s  company  formed  part  of  the  regiment  of  Texas 
rangers,  commanded  by  Colonel  Hays,  which  marched  with  General 
Worth  [September  20th]  to  assist  in  storming  the  Bishop’s  Palace. 
The  following  was  the  order  of  the  general’s  march: — The  first 
brigade,  commanded  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Staniford,  consisted  of 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Duncan’s  battery  of  horse  artillery ; Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Childs’  artillery  battalion,  composed  of  the  following  com- 
panies : — Company  K,  of  the  2d  regiment ; companies  A and  B, 
of  the  8d  regiment ; and  companies  G,  H and  I,  of  the  4th  regiment, 
acting  as  infantry  ; and  the  8th  regiment  of  infantry  under  Captain 
Scrivner.  The  2d  brigade,  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  P.  F. 
Smith,  was  composed  of  Lieutenant  Mackall’s  battery  of  horse  artil- 
lery ; the  5th  infantry,  to  which  was  attached  Captain  Blanchard’s 
company  of  Louisiana  volunteers,  under  Major  Martin  Scott ; and 
the  7th  infantry,  under  Captain  Miles.  Added  to  these,  as  we  have 
mentioned,  were  the  Texas  rangers. 

In  all  the  operations  of  General  Worth’s  division,  McCulloch 
distinguished  himself  in  a remarkable  manner.  When  the  troops 
left  the  main  camp,  (noon  of  the  20th,)  his  rangers,  with  Gillespie’s, 
formed  the  reconnoitring  party.  While  passing  a ridge  on  the  follow- 
ing day,  the  enemy  opened  upon  them  with  a howitzer  and  twelve- 
pounder,  firing  shell  and  round-shot  as  fast  as  they  could  discharge 
iheir  pieces.  This  continued  until  they  arrived  at  the  base  of  a hill 


SERVICES  AT  MONTEREY. 


203 


between  Palace  Heights  and  the  mountains,  on  the  west.  When 
the  head  of  the  column  approached  this  place,  a body  of  Mexican, 
cavalry  came  dashing  round  the  ridge  to  charge  it.  Colonel  Hays 
ordered  his  men  to  dismount ; but,  as  McCulloch  was  at  a consider- 
able distance,  he  did  not  receive  the  command  in  time  to  obey. 
Accordingly,  when  the  lancers  approached,  he  poured  into  them  a 
shower  of  rifle  and  pistol-balls.  This  being  ineffectual  to  check  their 
progress,  a furious  charge  was  made,  and  both  columns  reeled  be- 
fore the  terrible  shock.  Horse  and  rider  were  crushed  to  earth,  and 
for  a moment  all  was  a wild  hurry  of  confusion.  Then  the  lance 
and  rifle  were  thrown  aside ; hand-to-hand  a conflict  commenced 
with  sword  and  pistol,  during  which  scores  of  the  enemy  sunk  be- 
neath the  fierce  rangers’  aim.  McCulloch  fought  with  the  intre- 
pidity of  a knight  of  chivalry.  On  one  occasion  he  was  separated 
from  his  men,  and  completely  surrounded  ; but,  putting  spurs  to  his 
horse,  he  dashed  against  the  enemy,  broke  their  ranks,  and  arrived 
safely  among  his  men.  The  action  lasted  fifteen  minutes,  during 
which  the  captain  lost  several  of  his  command.  The  loss  of  the  enemy 
was  one  hundred  and  fifty;  the  squadron  which  charged  the  rangers 
being  nearly  cut  to  pieces. 

McCulloch  was  with  Captain  P.  F.  Smith  at  the  storming  of 
the  redoubt  on  Federacion  Hill.  He  also  assisted  in  the  capture  of 
the  Bishop’s  Palace,  and  received  the  commendations  of  his  supe- 
rior officers  for  his  distinguished  bravery.  He  is  particularly  men- 
tioned by  General  Worth  among  those  to  whom  his  ‘thanks  are 
especially  due.’ 

After  the  fall  of  the  Palace,  the  Texas  rangers  were  employed 
in  breaking  open  the  houses  of  Monterey,  and  penetrating  their 
walls  inside  toward  the  central  plaza.  They  contributed  most  mate 
rially  to  the  subsequent  capitulation  of  the  city. 

For  his  conduct  during  this  siege,  McCulloch  received  the  com- 
mission of  major.  Soon  after  its  conclusion,  he  set  out  with  sixteen 
men  for  San  Antonio.  On  the  way  he  met  with  rather  a singular 
adventure  with  two  Indians,  the  particulars  of  which  are  thus  given 
by  his  faithful  biographer,  Reid. 

“ Having  crossed  the  Nueces  with  some  difficulty,  about  mid-day, 
the  party  were  reclining  upon  the  grass  to  rest  themselves,  when  a 
couple  of  daring  Camanches  rushed  in  among  the  horses  close  by 
and  by  their  yells  and  accompanying  antics  succeeded  in  stamped* 


204 


CAPTAIN  m’CULLOCH. 


%ng  the  entire  cavallada^  with  the  exception  of  Major  McCulloch’s 
horse,  and  that  of  the  brave  Captain  Cheshire.  These  gentlemen 
mounted  at  once  and  put  off  in  pursuit.  On  coming  up  with  them, 
McCulloch  received  a flight  of  arrows,  one  of  which  wounded  his 
horse,  and  caused  him  to  dismount.  • He  and  one  of  the  Indians 
then  commenced  manoeuvring  for  advantaofes.  McCulloch  could 
not  bring  his  five-shooter  to  bear.  Mean  time  the  other  Indian, 
armed  with  a rifle,  was  creeping  round,  trying  to  level  it  upon 
McCulloch ; but  the  major  was  too  cunning  to  be  caught,  even  in  a 
double-handed  game.  By  this  time  Cheshire  came  up,  when 
McCulloch  proposed  a charge.  Cheshire,  however,  thinking  it 
more  prudent  to  try  his  rifle,  fired,  but  it  did  not  tell. 

“The  manoeuvring  continued  — it  was  a sort  of  running  fight. 
McCulloch  charged  up,  close  enough  to  let  loose  his  repeater ; two 
shots  did  no  execution ; at  the  third  it  broke,  and  the  Indian  escaped, 
Cheshire  now  fired  and  wounded  his  man ; the  Indians  retreated, 
leaving  the  horses.  The  Texans  drove  them  back  in  triumph  to 
the  camp.  In  the  interim  the  foot  company  were  in  the  utmost 
suspense,  watching  the  prairie  to  catch  a glimpse  of  their  returning 
comrades  ; and  when  they  at  last  hove  in  sight,  with  the  horses  safe 
and  sound,  the  air  was  rent  with  huzzas.  Never  was  there  a more 
joyful  crowd,  for  never  did  a set  of  gentlemen  come  nearer  footing 
it  into  white  settlements.” 

On  his  return  to  Monterey,  McCulloch  was  employed  by  General 
Taylor  to  obtain  information  of  the  strength  and  movements  of  Santa 
Anna,  who  was  reported  to  be  moving  toward  him.  He  set  out 
[February  16th]  with  about  twenty  men  ; at  about  an  hour  before 
midnight  he  encountered  a small  detachment  of  Mexican  cavalry,  ex- 
tending across  the  road.  The  rangers  mistook  it  for  chapparal,  but  - 
were  soon  undeceived  by  a full  volley  of  musketry.  Although 
ignorant  of  the  enemy’s  force,  McCulloch  ordered  a charge,  which 
was  vigorously  executed,  breaking  the  Mexican  ranks,  and  driving 
them  toward  Encarnacion.  The  rangers  escaped  without  loss. 

On  the  20th,  the  major  again  set  out  with  but  four  men,  on  a 
similar  expedition.  As  he  approached  the  foe,  he  sent  all  his  men 
except  one  back  to  General  Taylor,  to  report  his  observations.  In 
this  perilous  situation,  he  was  met  by  the  enemy’s  picket  guard, 
who  immediately  gave  chase.  Instead  of  retreating,  McCulloch 
and  his  companion  (William  Phillips)  galloped  directly  toward  the 


DECEIVES  THE  MEXICAN  PICKETS. 


205 


Mexican  camp,  thus  completely  deceiving  the  picket,  who  imagined 
them  their  own  men  on  duty.  They  then  rode  leisurely  to  a neigh- 
bouring hill,  where  they  concealed  themselves  and  passed  the  night. 
Next  day  they  commenced  their  retreat,  but  in  passing  between 
two  roads,  were  greeted  with  the  sight  of  a picket  of  twenty  men 
placed  upon  each  of  them.  No  course  was  now  left  but  to  assume 
the  appearance  of  Mexican  scouts  ; and  accordingly,  without  quick- 
ening their  pace,  they  passed  between  the  two  parties,  and  proceeded 
toward  Agua  Nueva.  Luckily  the  Mexicans  were  excessively 
fatigued,  and  having  passed  the  night  without  fire,  they  were  now 
industriously  warming  themselves.  Considering  the  two  strangers 
as  their  own  scouts,  they  neglected  to  ride  after  them,  and  thus 
McCulloch  escaped.  But  he  was  not  yet  out  of  danger.  After  pro- 
ceeding about  eight  miles  he  mounted  a hill,  where  to  his  mortifi- 
cation he  beheld  another  picket,  guarding  the  only  pass  to  the  road. 
After  remaining  some  time  in  hope  of  their  being  relieved  by  a 
fresh  guard,  he  ventured  into  the  plain,  and  though  the  pass  was 
extremely  narrow,  he  rode  through  it  without  being  observed.  The 
two  friends  then  galloped  on  to  Agua  Nueva,  and  reported  to  Gene- 
ral Taylor. 

In  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  McCulloch  behaved  with  his  accus- 
tomed bravery.  “ Major  McCulloch,”  says  General  Taylor,  “ quar- 
termaster in  the  volunteer  service,  rendered  important  services  be- 
fore the  engagement,  in  the  command  of  a spy  company,  and  during 
the  affair  was.  associated  with  the  regular  cavalry.” 

The  disbandment  of  the  major’s  command  took  place  about  this 
time,  after  which  most  of  the  Texans  returned  home. 


18 


COLONEL  HAYS. 


John  Coffee  Hays  is  a native  of  Tennessee.  He  was  born 
about  the  year  1818,  in  Wilson  county,  and  named  after  General 
CofTee  of  the  United  States’  Army.  Even  in  childhood  he  appears 
to  have  been  of  a daring  disposition,  although  little  of  any  interest 
is  known  of  him  until  the  commencement  of  the  Texan  revolution. 
He  manifested  a lively  interest  in  that  struggle,  and  determining  to 
be  near  the  scene  of  warfare,  emigrated  in  1837  to  San  Antonio. 
Here  he  had  several  severe  skirmishes  with  the  Indians,  and  was 
engaged  as  surveyor  on  the  frontier.  In  those  times  of  peril,  when 
Texas' needed  the  assistance  of  every  soldier.  Hays  could  not  long 
remain  unnoticed.  He  was  first  created  captain  of  a scouting 
party,  and  soon  after  superintendent  of  the  entire  border,  with  the 
rank  of  major.  Desperate,  and  sometimes  personal  encounters 
with  the  Indians,  soon  spread  his  reputation,  and  before  the  com- 
mencement of  our  war  with  Mexico,  he  was  regarded  by  the  sa- 
vages as  superior  to  common  men — the  bearer  of  a charmed  life. 

He  was  appointed  colonel  of  the  Texan  mounted  rifles,  and 
reached  the  Rio  Grande  a short  time  after  the  battles  of  the  8th  and 
9th  of  May.  Particular  incidents  of  his  command  are  given  in  the 
sketch  of  McCulloch. 

General  Worth,  in  his  official  despatch  of  Monterey,  speaks  thus 
of  him : “ It  is  my  pleasant  and  grateful  duty  to  present  to  the  con- 
sideration of  the  general-in-chief,  and  through  him  to  ihe  govern- 
ment, the  distinguished  conduct  of  Brigadier-General  Smith,  and 
Colonel  Hays,  of  the  Texas  riflemen.” 

An  order  from  the  same  general,  [dated  Monterey,  September 
28th,]  has  the  following  paragraph : — 

“ The  general  feels  assured,  that  every  individual  in  the  command 
unites  with  him  in  admiration  of  the  distinguished  gallantry  and 
(206) 


colonel  HA.YS; 


John  Coffee. Hays  is  a native  of  Tennessee.  He  was  born  ^ 
about  the  year  1§18,  in  Wilson  county,  and  named  after  General 
Coffee  of  the  United  States’  Army.  Even  in  childhood  he  appearp . 
to  have  been  of  a daring  disposition,  although  little  of  any  interest  '• 
is  known  of  him  until  the  commencement  of  the  Texan. revolution. 
He  manifested  a lively  interest:  in  that  struggle,  and'  determining  ta 
be  near  the,  scene  of  warfare,  emigrated  in  1837  to  San  Antonio/*. 
Here  he  had  several  severe  skirmishes  with  the  Indians,  and 


engaged  as  surveyor  on  the  frontier.  In  those  times  of  peril, 


>■ 


Texas  heeded  the  assistance  of  every  soldier.  Hays  could  not;  long 
remain  unnoticed.  He  w^as  first  created  captain  of  a seouting 
party,  and  soon  after  superintendent  of  the  entire  border,  with  the 
rank  of  major.  Desperate,  and  sometimes  personal  encounters 
with-'th^In/lians,  soon  spread  his  reputsitibn,  and  before  the  cdih- 
rnencement  pf  our  war  with  Mexico,  he  was  regarded  by  the  : 
vages  as  superior  to  common  men — the  bearer  of  a charnoed'life.  '<  | 
,rHe  was  appointed  colonel  of  ll;):e~Texan*  mounted  rifles,  end-  j^ 
reached  the  Kio  Grande  a short  time  after  the  battles  of  the  8th  an4'*-i 
9th  of  May.  Particular  incidents  of  his  command  are  given  in  the 
sketch  of  McCulloch.  ^ i 

General  Worth,  in  his  official  despatch  of  Monterey,  speaks  thus  - 
of  him : “ It  is  my  pleasant  and  grateful  duty  to  present  to  th$  con-  - 
sideration  of  the  general-in-chief,  and  through  him  to  the  govern- 
^ent,  the  distinguished  conduct  of  Brigadier-General  Smith,  and'  I^ 
Colonel  Hays,  of  the  I’exas  riflemen.’' 

An  order  from  the, same  general,  [dated  Monterey,  Septembei 
28th,]  has  the  following  paragraph : — 

“ The  general  feels  assured,  that  every  individual  in  the  comma 
unites  with  him  in  admiration  of  the  distinguished  gallantry  a“ 
(206) 


;4 


m' 


HIS  PERSONAL  APPEARANCE. 


207 


-‘conduct  of  Colonel  Hays,  and  his  noble  band  of  Texan  volunteers. 
’’^Hereafter,  they  and  we  are  brothers,  and  we  can  desire  no  better 
guarantee  of  success  than  by  their  association.”  ' 

V The  following  description  of  the  personal"  appearance  of  this 

• ^cejebrate’d  partisan  is  giv^n  by  his  friend  j^eid 

^ « «We  had  heard  so  much  of,  Col.  Hays,  that  we  were  anxious  to 
be  introduced  to  the  commander  of  our  regiment.  Thb  quarters  of 
Lieutenant  Forbes  Britton,  co;::im'’‘?sary  of  subsistence,  was  at  that 
time  the  general  rendezvous  ot  aa  the  officers.  And. go  when  you 
would  to  his  quarters,  from  his  generous  and  hospitable  feelings,  ail 
were. sure  to  meet  with  a kind  reception..  On  this  occasion,  as  we 
, eijjered  Lieutenant  Britton’s  quarters,  we  saw  a group  of  gentlemen 
sitting  around,  amon^  whom  were  Gene  rah  Lamari^  Governor  Hen- 
derson, General  Cazeno,  and/ General  McCloud,  all  distinguished 

• m^n^of  Texas,  whose  names  are  enrolled'on  the  page  of  its  history. 
As  we  cast  our  eye  around  the  group,  we  tried  to  single  out  the 

, ' celebrated  partisan  chief,  and  we  were  much  surprised  when  we 
S .were  presented  to  a delicate-looking  young  man,  of  about  five  feet 
" iiiches  in  stature,  and  tpJd  that  he  was  our  colonel.  He  was 
'^dressed  very  plainly,  and  wore  a thin, jacket,  with  the  usual  Texian 
^ hat,  broad  brimmed,  with  a round ''top,  and  loose  operi  collar,  with  a 
jtlack*  handkerchief  lied  negligently  around  his  neck.  He  has  dark 
^ ^ brown  hair,  and  a large  and  brilliant  h^zel  eye,  which  is  restless  in 
conversation,  and  speaks  a language  of  its  own  not  to  be  mistaken, 
with  very  prominent  and  heavy  arched  eyebrows.  Hia  broad,  deep 
/ Xoretead  is  \vell  developed;  he  has  A Roman  nose,  with  a finely 
curved  nostril ; a large  mouth,  with  the  corners  tending  downwards  ; 
rshprt  upper  lip,  while  the  under  one  , projects  slightly,  indicative 
. of  great  firmness  and  determination.  Hq  is  naturally  of  a fair  com- 
I plexion,  but  from  long  exposure  on  the  frontfer  has  become  dark 
and  weather-beaten.  He  has  rather  a thoughtful  and  care-worn 
. epepression,  from  the  constant  exetcise  of  his  faculties ; and  his  long 
? acquaintance  with  dangers  and  difficulties,^ and  the  responsibilities 

• of  a commander,  have  given  him  an,  habitual  frown  when  his  feat^ 
tures  are  in  repose.  He  wears  no  whiskers,  which  gives  him  a still 

^ more  youthful  appearance,  and  his  manners  are  bland  and  very  pre- 
- possessing,  from  his  extreme  modesty.” 

‘ Y Among  other  most  interesting  incidents,  we  extract  from  the  same 
j|Uthor  the  following  account  of  a few  of  his  daring  exploits  . — 

K 


I 


208 


COLONEL  HAYS. 


‘‘It  Avas  some  time  in  the  month  of  July,  1844,  that  he  was  en- 
gaged in’  one  of  the  most  remarkable  Indian  fights  perhaps  on  re-  . 
cord.  Remarkable,  not  for  the  numbers  engaged,  nor  the  duration 
of  the  conflict,  but  from  the  fearful  odds  against  the  Rangers.  At 
the  time  we  spea;k  of.  Hays  was  surrounded  by  as  gallant  a little 
band  of  noble  and  brave  men,  numbering  only  fourteen,  as  ever 
fought  for  the  liberty  of  any  land.  Among  this  Spartan  band  were 
the  names  of  a Gillespie,  a Walker,  and  a Chevalier,  whose  noble 
deeds-  h^ve  since  made  them  known  to  the  world.  On  this  occa- 
sion, Hays  had  gone  out.  with  his  men  some  eighty  miles  from  San 
Antonio,  towards  the  river  Pierdenales,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertain- 
ing the  position  of  the  Indians,  and  to  watch  their  movements.  On 
arriving  near  the  river,  they  discovered  some  ten  or  fifteen  Comanche 
warriors,  well  mounted,  who  immediately  made  demonstrations  of  . 
fight.  As  the  Rangers  advanced  upon  them,  however,  they  would 
retreat,  and  thus  endeavoured  to  lead  the  Texians  towards  a ridge 
of  thick  undergrowth.  But  Hays  was  tpo  well  acquainted  with  the  * 
Indian  character  to  be  caught  by  their  snarps ; and  he  immediately 
judged  by  their  manceuvring,  that  an  ambuscade  had  been  laid  for, 
him,  and  with  difficulty  restrained  the  impetuosity  of  his  ‘boys' 
from  advancing  to  the  attack.  He  then  marched  around  the  copse, 
where  he  supposed  the  Indians  to  be  concealed,  and  drew  Up  on 
another  ridge,  separated  from  their  position  by  a deep  ravine.  * He  . 
had  oc.cupied  this  situation  but  a short  time,  when  the  Indians  dis- 
covered who  be ' was,  and  knowing  their  man,  gave  up  the  hope  of. 

. catching  him  by  stratagem.  The  Indians  then  showed  themselves  • 
to  the  number  of  seventy-five,  and  challenged  him  to  the  contest, 
Hays  accepted  the  challenge,  and  signified  to  them  that  he  would 
meet  them,  and  immediately  started  doAvn  the  hifi  with  his  men, 
towards  the  Indians,  moving  at  the  same  time  in  the  slowest  possible 
pace,  untUr.^eaching  4he^bott6m  of  the  ravine,jBfhero  he..w:as>hid  . 
from  the  view  Of  the  Indians,  by  the  brow  of  the*  hill  upon  which 
they  were  formed.  Then  turning  at  full  speed  down  the  ravine, 
'followed  by  his  little  troop,  he  turned  the  point  of  the  ridge,  came 
up  in  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  and  charged  their  column,  when  every 
eye  of  the  Indian  phalanx  was  looking  in  momentary  expectation 
of  seeing  him  rise  the  hill  in  their  front ! His  first  fire  upon  them 
was  with  short  rifles,  which  being  deadly,  threAv  them  into  utter  , 
confusion.  The  yells,  imprecations,  and  war-whoops  that  filled  the 


FIGHT  WITH  THE  INDIANS. 


209 


air  after  the  report  of  the  rifles,  vvoold  have  blanched  many  a cheek 
as  if  echoed  wildly  over  the  plain.'  But  there  stood  Hays  and  his 
gallant  men  as  firm  and  undaunted  as  the  rocki  The  Indians  seeing 
their  great  superiority  in  numbers,  soon  rallied,  when  the  Ranger 
ordered  his  men  to  throw  down  their  rifles,  and  prepare  with  their 
five-shooters  to  receive  the  charge  of  the  enemy.:  In  order  to  resist 
attacl^  on,  all  sides,  as  the  Indians  were  surrounding  them,  Hays 
formed  his  men  in  a circle,  fronting  outwards,  being  still  mounted 
on  their  horses,  and  for  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes  maintained  that 
position,  never  firing  a shot  until  the  Indians  came  within  the  length 
of  their  lances  of  them.  Thefr  aim  was  sure,  and  every  fire  brought 
down  a warrior.  ^ Some  twenty-one  of  the  red  men  were  killed  on 
that:spot,  before  they  desisted,  and  then  the  Rangers,  changing  their 
ground,  charged  them  in  turn.-  The  fight  lasted  for  nearly  an  hour, 
the  two  parties  alternately  ^charging  each  other.  By  this  time  the 
Texians  had  exhausted  the  loads  in  their  five-shooting  pistols,  and 
the  chief  was  again  rallying  his  warriors  for  one  more  desperate 
struggle.  .. 

“ Hays’s  numbers  \yere  now  reduced,  and  the' crisis  was  an  awful 
one.  He  saw  that  their  only  salvation  was  to  kill  the  Indian  chief, 
and  demanded  of  his  men,  if  any  one  had  a charge  left.  The  la- 
mented Captain  Gillespie  replied  that  he  had  reserved  his  rifle. 

“‘Dismount 'then,’  said  Hays,  ‘and  make  sure  work  of  that 
chief.’ 

^‘"Although  speared  through  the  .body,  the  gallant  Gillespie  dis- 
mounted^ and  at  the  crack  of  his  rifle,  the  chief  fell  headlong  from 
l}is,  horse.  Panic-struck,  the  Indians  fled  in  dismay,  pursued  by  the 
Texians,  who  gained  a complete  victory.  On  the  battle-field  of 
Pierdenales  lay  some  thirty  odd  of  their  dead ; how  many  were 
>vounded  was  not  known.  On  the  part  of  the  Rangers,  two  were 
killed,  and  some  four  or  five  wounded,  among  whom  were  Gilles- 
pie and  Walker,  since  celebrated  in  American  history,  who  were 
both  speared  through  the  body. 

“ At  another  time,  Hays  went  out  with  a party  of  some  fifteen 
or  twenty  men,  upon  the  frontier  of  Texas,  then  many  miles  west 
of  the  white  settlements,  for  the  purpose  of  surveying  and  locating 
lands  in  the  vicinity  of  a place  well  known  as  the  ‘Enchanted 
Rock.’  We  are  unable  to  give  tp  the  reader  the  traditionary  caus*-'' 
18* 


mi 


mi^mi 

>-4i^ 


^ 018 

'»  ■«=tA».i«il<H!'Aii  >r#iS*«f  .#»  ^ ■ 

I^"* 

niQ  .mTdinfid  9iktK>d  tied; 


*“  %4*m  '»?«A'n»»Mi^M**wwto 

:3>.fc,*  fl#<- 

=^oJ4ffc- 


,::«4i|^i%<A«m  ^ilal'txil  bswsKi  T[fa3ofa'gaii4  boa  ^tait  kwi 
Mi  *4a^  6#torf«4 » Mi:  ^iA^  ,nUi  edi  le  qui  tdi  ot  Uwm 
i';'''fJ  9!Si  m-Bw  flj  WkoKrt^b  {m«  .'^[eeiaid'&KbfiSfieR  '«^,* 

[^1K(w  Ktlite^Mt'l’  «9QQM)9  0f  Ml  ai^od  lo  ir<t#^sj|  a y^oonu^  hg/O  od 
tJfeueu*  ail  WB  saiww*  a-^i^a  "jiomif  ta  m*0 
1'^  *(A-  b9t»q»5(|  ,«M|it  ^(tUmima*  ■»/■»  ^ JL’md  tujisbM 
m iiifi  ^rndm  mqv  Hf^d  '^si^red^ 

f^--  *ts^cmtim9- nAi  Him  «dw  mmi  *^»d< «» ,«|i*siHi  Ih  ts  ,«■«■ 
tut  ^ei  boj  .*tift  lltfow  ^SUfu^iqq^  iiaiW  V»d? 
ftd  xtffii  (ddi  aI  ■qatb  bitiow  «C4is  ^rntMU  aid 
iaff  Iti  «liS  batmia  jttiSwod  coatbal  wii  ;.«wuf  t»  »d  x4Kf  m 
jakuoad  xllaad  loB  ’^■/km  lami  00  aiil  ^tkw 
, Vn(H^4  o«.b*<b«o«]^«  t**  ^ 8ii  fcwS  Jaxioahadm! 

Ihtigimt- 1»4<’ « ^ Jw«Htf«»  k 3fso»  « ©3  M'Wd.  w}  t'wnoiu) 
si*i  lifliaiae  ssk  kw ,*sb«  «d  tys^fhttb  m.aas^rta  <a 
f 9i  Ihm  ,lo  otdi  piiqaad  aodi  laaMa  Ba  aa  taad>  Mk1  ad 
, ; jewt  loi  •ItatBik  {wfe-wb#  ad  taaam  ddt  xd  ^heJn 
«» ccaibol  «di  evdw 
Mfkif  bed  adv  «0B0}  lid  jtlid  sdij  Vk  Bbit  aoo  adJ  btmia^  boi 

imia  8B«d*a  09^  bed  kui  nd  ^ iaon  ad 


COLONEL  HAYS. 


210 


why  this  place  was  so  named,  but  nevei^heless,  the  Indians  had  a 
great  awe,  amounting  almost  to  jeverence  for  it,  and  W'ould  tell 
many  legendary  tales  connected  with  it,  and  the  fate  of  a few  brave 
warriors,  the  last  of  a tribe  now  extinct,  who  defended  themselves 
there  for  many  years  as  in  a strong  castle,  against  the  attacks  of 
their  hostile  brethren.  But  they  were  finally  overcome  and  totally 
annihilated,  and  ever  since,  the  ‘ Enchanted  Rock’  has  been  looked 
upon  as  the  exclusive  property  of  these  phantom  warriors.  This  is 
one  of  the  many  tales  which  the  Indians  tell  concerning  it,  TJie 
rock  forms  the  apex  of  a high,  round  hill,  very  rugged  and  difficult 
of  ascent.  In  the  centre  there  is  a hollow,  in  the  shape  of  a bowl, 
and  sufficiently  large  to  allow  a small  party  of  men  to  lie  in  it,  thus 
forming  a small  fort,  the  projecting  and  elevated  sides  serving  as  a 
protection.  - 

“Not  far  from  the  base  of  this  hill,  Hays  and  his  men,  at  the  time 
of  the  expedition  spoken  of,  which  occurred  in  the  year  1841,  or 
'42,  were  attacked  by  a large  force  of  Indians.  When  the  fight 
commenced.  Hays  being  some  distance  from  his  party,  ^as  cut  off 
from  them,  and  being  closely  presseij  by  the  Indians,  made  good  his 
retreat  to  the  top  of  the  hill.  Reaching  the  ‘Enclianted  Rock,’  he 
^ there  entrenched  himself,  and  determined  to  sell  his  life  dearly,  for 
he  had  scarcely  a gleam  of  hope  left  to  escape.  The  Indians  who 
were  in  pursuit,'' upon  arriving  near  the  summit,  se^‘Up  a most 
hideous  howl,  and  after  surrounding  the  spot,  prepared  for  the 
charge ; being  bent  upon  taking  this  ‘ Devil  Jack,’  as  they  called 
him,  at  all  hazards,  for  they  knew  who  was  the  commander.  As  . 
they  would  approach.  Hays  would  rise,  and  level  his  rifle ; knowing 
his  unerring  aim,  they  would  drop  back.  In  this  way  he  kept  them 
at  bay  for  nearly  an  hour ; the  Indians  howling  around  him  all  the 
while,  like  so  many  wolves.  But  finally  becoming  enoboldened,  as 
he  had  not  yet  fired  his  rifle,  they  approached  so  near  that  it  became 
necessary  for  him  to  go  to  work  in  earnest.  So,  as  they  continued 
to  advance,  he  discharged  his  rifle,  and  then  seizing  his  five-shooter, 
he  felled  them  on  all  sides ; thus  keeping  them  oflT,  until  he  could 
reload.  In  this  manner  he  defended  himself  for  three  long  hours; 
when  the  Indians  becoming  furiously  exasperated,  rushed  in  mass, 
and  gained  the  top,^on  one  side  of  the  hill : his  men,  who  had  heard 
he  crack  of  his  rifle,  and  had  been  fighting  most  desperately  to 


. HIS  NARROW  ESCAPE.  211 

reach  their  leader,  now  succeeded  in  breaking  through  the  file  of 
Indians  on  the  other  side,  and  arrived  just  in  time  to  save  him. 

« ‘ This,’  said  the  Texan  who  told  us  the  story,  / was  one  of 
Jack^s  most  narrow  escapes,  and  he  considers  it  one  of  the  tightest 
little  places  that  he  ever  was  in.  The  Indians,  who  had  believed 
for  a long  time  that  he  bore  a charmed  life,  were  then  more  than 
ever  convinced  of  the  fact.’ 

“ So  many  were  the  stories  that  went  the  rounds  in  camp,  of  his 
perilous  expeditions,  his  wild  . and  daring  adventures,  and  his  cool 
and  determined  bravery,  that  when  we  saw  the  man  who  held  such 
sWaj  over  his  fellow-beings,  we  were  first  inclined  to  believe  that 
we  had  been  deceived.  But  when  we  saw  him  afterwards  in  the 
field,  we  then  knew  him  to  be  the  ‘intrepid  Hays.’  So  great  is  his 
reputation  among  the  Mexicans,  that  he  is  everywhere  known  as 
^Capitan  Jack.^  Notwithstanding  his  rigid  discipline,  for  his  word 
is  law  among  his  men,  yet  off  duty  he  is  a bland  and  pleasant  com- 
panion, and  the  men  familiarly  call  him  Jack ; though  there  is  that 
about  the  man,  which  prevents  one  from  taking  the  slightest  liberty 
with  him.” 


MAJOR  TWIGGS, 


Major  Levi  Twiggs  was  born  in  Richmond  county,  Georgia,  on 
the  21st  pt^May,  1793.  He  was  the  sixth  son  of  Major-General 
John  Twiggs  of  revolutionary  memory,  whose  patriotic  devotion  of 
his  person  and  his  purse  in  the  war  of  independence  earned  for  him 
^an  imperishable  renown.  A faithful  son  of  his  country,  who,  at  the 
outset  of  that  unequal  contest,  raised  from  his  private  fortune  an 
effective  brigade,  which,  with  his  own  services,  he  tendered  to  the 
cause  of  liberty,  services which  proved  most  efhcient,  earning  for 
himself  the  rank  of  Major-General  in  our  then  infant  army,  and  the 
still  higher  title  of  “ Saviour  of  Georgia.”  The  present  eminent 
Major-General  David  E.  Twiggs,  is  the  fifth  son  of  the  same  illus- . 
trious  sire.  0-  . . 

At  the  declaration  of  war  against  Great  Britain  in  1812,  the  sub- 
ject of  the  present  notice,  then  just  having  completed  his  nine-  , 
teenth  year,  was  desirous  of  entering  the  service,  but  failing  to 
obtain  the  sanction  of  his  parents  at  that  time,  he  continued  his 
studies  at  the  Athens  college  in  his  native  state,  for  some  months 
longer.  At  length  his  military  ardour  was  fanned  into  an  irrepres- 
sible fiame  by  the  gallant  exploits  of  our  little  navy,  and  on  learning 
the  news  of  the  capture  of  the  Macedonian  frigate,  by  the  United 
States  under  Commodore  Decatur,  he  immediately  left  college,  and 
solicited  again  his  parents’  consent  to  apply  for  an  appointment  in 
the  marine  corps,  which  was  now  granted.  He  entered  this  corps 
as  second  lieutenant,  on  the  10th  of  November,  1813,  and^  after  a 
brief  sojourn  at  head-quarters,  was  stationed  on  the  Patuxent  with' 
the  troops  which  were  posted  there  to  oppose  the  passage  of  the 
British  fleet,  then  hovering  along  the  coasts  of  the  Chesapeake/j 
where  he  displayed  the  energy  of  character  and  good  conduct  whicin 

(212) 


't . ' 


!''’^Mr 


GU.NBRAL.  TWIGGS 


vX  ji;^^^. 


IJIAJOR  TWIGGS.  * 213 

ever  after  distinguished  hrm.  From  this  duty  Lieutenant  Twiggs 
was  ordered  to  join  the  frigate  President,  commanded  by  Commo- 
dore Decatur,  on  her  last  memorable  cruise  under  ^ur  flag.  She 
sailed  from  New  York  on  the  14th  of  January,  1815,  and  soon 
after  encountered  a British  fleet,  consisting  of  the  Majestic  razee, 
the  Endymion,  Tenedos  and  Pomona  frigates,  and  a gun  brig,  and 
was  captured  after  a most  gallant  defence, — one  of  the  opposing  fri- 
^ gates,  the  Endymion,  having  been  first  disabled  and  her  fire  silenced 
in  full  view  of  the  other  ships  of  the  hostile  squadron. 

By  some  untoward  accident,  the  senior  marine  officer  did  not  sail 
in  the  President,  and  that  arm  of  the  service  was  commanded  on 
this  occasion  by  Lieutenant  Twiggs — who  by  this  time  had  attained 
the  gracje  of  first  lieutenant  — with  such  consummate  skill  and  gal- 
lantry as  to  elicit  the  warmest  applause  of  his  commander,  and  to 
obtain  honourable  mention  of  his  name  in  the  commodore’s  official 
despatches.  Lieutenant  Twiggs’  command  numbered  fifty-six  men, 
who,  as  is  stated  in  Mackenzie’s  Naval  History,  discharged  during  the 
action  five  thousand  cartridges,  and  whose  fire  was  pronounced  by 
Commodore  Decatur  “ mcomjmrabley 

. The  officers  of  the  President  were  detained  as  prisoners  of  war 
in  Bermuda,  until  news  of  the  peace  reached  there,  when  they  re- 
turned to  their  country. 

From  thaf  period  until  1823,  Lieutenant  Twiggs  was  attached  to 
.‘the  New  York  station,  from  whence  in  that  year  he  was  ordered  to 
. Philadelphia,  having^in  1822  united  himself  in  marriage  to  a 
daughter  of  the  deceased  Captain  McKnight,  of  the  marine  corps, 
>‘and  niece  of  Commodore  Decatur,  — the  afflicted  lady  who  now 
• . deplores  his  death.  In  1824,  he  was  ordered  to  the  frigate  Constel- 
lation, Commodore  Warrington,  to  cruise  among  the  West  India 
islands,  in  which  service  he  was  absent  nearly  two  years.  On  his  re- 
— turn  he  was  again  attached  to  the  Navy-Yard  at. Philadelphia,  having 
‘ been  advanced  to  a captaincy  by  brevet  during  his  absence,  on  the  3d 
: May,  1825. 

‘'In  November,  1825,  he  was  placed  in  command  of  the  marines, 
‘‘^at  the  Norfolk  Navy- Yard. 

fn  June,  1826,  Captain  Twiggs  was  ordered  to  Florida,  where 
was  engaged  in  the  Seminole  war  until  the  month  of  April  folio w- 
discharging  the  constant  and  very  arduous  duties  attendant  upon  a 
g(War  with  wandering  savages,  marked  by  all  the  perils  of  treachery 


IHH;  1i^tiiil'inii»f|,jy»Bj^»iH([^  lil  w4ff^ 


ii»*ammL. s. 


214 


MAJOR  TWlCqg.  0 


and  ambuscades,  and  the  more^iatal  dangers^/ a pestilential  climat^ 
and  every  species  of  suffering  and  exposure. 

From  the  period  of  his  return  from  Florida  until  1^3,  having 
attained  the  "yank  of  Major  on  the  15th  of  November,  1840,  he  was, 
from^time  to  time,  placed  in  command  of  the  rnarines,  at  the  several 
stations  of  Washington,  New  York,  and  Philadelphia,  discharging 
his  duty  at  every  post,  and  on  all  occasions,  to  the  entire  satisfaction 
of  the  Navy  Department,  and  of  the  local  authorities  and  citizens' 
with  whom  he  had  either  official  or  personal  intercourse. 

In  1843,  Major  Twiggs  assumed  the  command  at  the  Philadel- 
phia Navy-Yard,  where  he  proved  himself  worthy  of  the  rank  and 
station  which  his  gallantry  and  long  services  had  earned,  by  the 
scrupulous  discharge  of  every  detail  of  his  duty  as  an  officer,  and 
no  less  by  his  amiable,  manly,  and  unexceptionable  bearing  as  a 
good  citizen  and  high-bred  gentleman.  During  the  long  period  of 
thirty-four  years’  service,  he  never  but  once  asked  leave  of  absence, 
and  then  on  accQjint/pf  the  illness  of  a member  of  his  family,  when 
he  was  off* duty  but  a single  week. 

ji^  On  the  2d  of  June,  1847,  Major  Twiggs  departed  for  Mexico, 
having  solicited  active  service.  On  the  29th  of  June  he  arrived  at 
Vera  Cruz.  On  the  16th  of  July  he  left  for  the  interior,  with  General 
Pierce’s  brigade,  and  reached  Puebla  on  the  6th  of  August,  which 
place  he.  left  with  Major-General  Ouitman’s  division,  a few  days 
after,  and  on  the  13th  of  September  he  fell,  at  the  head  of  his  com- 
mand, leading  them  to  the  assault  at  the  storming  of  Chapultepec, 
pierced  by  a bullet  through  the  heart ! 

Of  the  details  of  the  operations  in  which  Major  Twiggs  was  en- 
gaged, as  well  on  the  march  to  the  Mexican  capital  as  on  the  bloody 
fields  in  its  neighbourhood,  na  precise  accounts  have  yet  been  re- 
♦ ceived.  ,We  only  know  that,  whilst  in  the  performance  of  the 
proudest  duty  of  a soldier,  his  brave  spirit  took  its  flight ! 

Of  an  imposing  presence  and  noble  mien,  he  was  the  personifi- 
cation of  courage;  dauntless  himself,  he  infused  the  same  quality 
into  all  his  followers,  performing  the  duties  of  his  profession  with  a 
zeal  that  never  flagged,  and  a singleness  of  purpose  that  considered 
no  obstacle.  Tenderly  alive  to  the  domestic  sympathies,  he  sacri- 
ficed them  aL  to  his  sense  of  duty  to  his  country.  This  sentiment 
was  uppermost  in  his  heart.  /When  he  left  home,  therefore,  upon 
his  last  tour  of  service-  like  a wise  and  good  man,  he  made  all  his  • 
worldly  arrangements,  based  upon  the  probability  that  he  would  j 


* RfAJOR  TWIGGS.  215 

never  return,  whilst  he^studiously  abided  alluditig  to  them  to  his 
family.  ' , 

* The  death  of  his  gallant  son,  George  Decatur  Twiggs,  who  fell  a 
Wunteer  in  Major  Daily’s  command  at  the  NatiqnajifBridge,  on  the 
12th  of  August,  on  the  way  to  join  his  uncle  the  general,  whose  aid 
he  was  to  become,  had  already  excited  a sincere  and  deep-felt  sym- 
pathy for  the  bereaved  mother.  Having  but  just  entered  his  twen- 
tieth year,  a youth  of  the  finest  talents,  and  with  the  brightest  pros- 
pects, already  distinguished  in  the  walks  of  literature,  and  pursuing 
his  legal  studies  with  the  zeal  inseparable  from  an  ardent  tempera- 
ment, he  also,  true  to  his  blood — the  commingled  blood  of  heroes, 
which  fiowed  in  his  veins— panted  for  martial  fame.  In  one  action, 
he  had  already  gained  the  applause  of  his  commander ; in  the  next, 
whilst  actively  discharging  the  duty  of  a lieutenant  in  the  place  of 
one  who  had  just  fallen,  the  fatal  missile  of  the  enemy  cut  him  off 
in  the  flower  of  his  age  ^ . 

“ As  some  fair  tree  which  erst  the  forest  graced, 

And  charmed  the  eye  by  blooming  vines  embraced, 

Prone  on  the  earth,  a lovely  ruin,  cast. 

Yields  to  the  lightning’s  stroke,  or  tempest’s  blast!” 

Of  the  many  brave  men  who  have  laid  down  their  lives  for  their 
country’s , honour  during  the  existing  war,  none  fought  more  gal- 
lantly, nor  died  more  nobly,  than  did  these  kindred  spirits,  the  father 
and  son.  Neither  has  it  pleased  an  all-wise  Providence  to  call  hence 
on  any  of'^those  battle-fields,  recently  rendered  immortal  by  the 
achievements  of  our  heroic  soldiers,  a more  worthy  and  well-tried 
citizen  than  the  one,  nor  a youth  of  brighter  promise  than  the  other. 

Well  appreciated  by  his  friends,  to  whom  he  was  endeared,  as 
well  by  his  own  virtues  as  those  of  his  estimable  wife,  the  news  of 
the  fall  of  Major  Twiggs,  almost  coincident  as  it  was  with  that  of 
his  son,  has  created  a deep  sensation  of  universal  sorrow  and  sym 
pathy.  Generous,  humane,  social,  affectionate,  with  a soul  of  chivalry, 
he  was  swayed  by  the  gentlest  emotions;  considerate  to  those  under 
his  command,  without  any  relaxation  of  discipline,  he  was  the  friend 
of  the  soldier,  and  was  rewarded  by  the  soldier’s  obedience  and  de- 
votion. As  an  officer,  long  holding  most  responsible  and  arduous 
stations,  his  conduct  always  elicited  the  applause  of  his,  superiois  ; 
and  in  all  the  social  relations,  and  more  especially  in  those  of  do- 
mestic life,  his  deportment  may  be  pronounced  to  have  been  fault- 
less. Of  scrupulous  integrity,  he  was  conscientious  in  the  discharge 


MAJOR  TWIGGS.  ^ 215 

« 

never  return,  whilst  he  studiously  avoided  alluding  to  them  to  his 
family. 

The  death  of  his  gallant  son,  George  Decatur  Twiggs,  who  fell  a 
volunteer  in  Major  Daily’s  command  at  the  National  Bridge,  on  the 
12th  of  August,  on  the  way  to  join  his  uncle  the  general,  whose  aid 
he  was  to  become,  had  already  excited  a sincere  and  deep-felt  sym- 
pathy for  the  bereaved  mother.  Having  but  just  entered  his  twen- 
tieth year,  a youth  of  the  finest  talents,  and  with  the  brightest  pros- 
pects, already  distinguished  in  the  walks  of  literature,  and  pursuing 
his  legal  studies  with  the  zeal  inseparable  from  an  ardent  tempera- 
ment, he  also,  true  to  his  blood  — the  commingled  blood  of  heroes, 
which  flowed  in  his  veins — panted  for  martial  fame.  In  one  action, 
he  had  already  gained  the  applause  of  his  commander ; in  the  next, 
whilst  actively  discharging  the  duty  of  a lieutenant  in  the  place  of 
one  who  had  just  fallen,  the  fatal  missile  of  the  enemy  cut  him  off 
in  the  flower  of  his  age  ! 

“ As  some  fair  tree  which  erst  the  forest  graced, 

And  charmed  the  eye  by  blooming  vines  embraced, 

Prone  on  the  earth,  a lovely  ruin,  cast. 

Yields  to  the  lightning’s  stroke,  or  tempest’s  blast !” 

Of  the  many  brave  men  who  have  laid  down  their  lives  for  their 
country’s  honour  during  the  existing  war,  none  fought  more  gal- 
lantly, nor  died  more  nobly,  than  did  these  kindred  spirits,  the  father 
and  son.  Neither  has  it  pleased  an  all-wise  Providence  to  call  hence 
on  any  of  those  battle-fields,  recently  rendered  immortal  by  the 
achievements  of  our  heroic  soldiers,  a more  worthy  and  well-tried 
citizen  than  the  one,  nor  a youth  of  brighter  promise  than  the  other. 

Well  appreciated  by  his  friends,  to  whom  he  was  endeared,  as 
well  by  his  own  virtues  as  those  of  his  estimable  wife,  the  news  of 
the  fall  of  Major  Twiggs,  almost  coincident  as  it  was  with  that  of 
bis  son,  has  created  a deep  sensation  of  universal  sorrow  and  sym 
pathy.  Generous,  humane,  social,  affectionate,  with  a soul  of  chivalry, 
he  was  swayed  by  the  gentlest  emotions ; considerate  to  those  under 
his  command,  without  any  relaxation  of  discipline,  he  was  the  friend 
of  the  soldier,  and  was  rewarded  by  the  soldier’s  obedience  and  de- 
votion. As  an  officer,  long  holding  most  responsible  and  arduous 
stations,  his  conduct  always  elicited  the  applause  of  his  superiois  ; 
and  in  all  the  social  relations,  and  more  especially  in  those  of  do- 
mestic life,  his  deportment  may  be  pronounced  to  have  been  fault- 
less. Of  scrupulous  integrity,  he  was  conscientious  in  the  discharp-e 


216 


MAJOR  TWIGGS. 


even  of  his  minutest  duties : a tender  and  affectionate  husband,  a 
most  kind  and  indulgent  parent,  leaving  a wife  and  three  daughters 
to  lament  his  loss : alas  ! it  is  to  those  widoAved  and  orphaned  hearts 
that  his  man}^  virtues  are  best  known,  and  by  them  that  they  will 
be  most  fondly  cherished  ; hearts  crushed  beneath  a weight  of  afflic- 
tion which  few’  are  called  upon  to  bear ; for  scarcely  had  they  begun 
to  recover  from  the  shock  of  the  loss  of  a son  and  brother,  before 
this  last  stunning  blow  fell  upon  them  like  a thunderbolt.  Let  them 
be  considered  henceforth  as  the  widow  and  children  of  the  nation ; 
for  to  their  case  the  annals  of  war,  wdth  its  aggravated  horrors,  can 
scarcely  produce  a parallel ! To  their  prior  bereavements  it  would 
be  out  of  place  to  refer  here.  But  that  gracious  Being,  who  has 
seen  fit  to  visit  them  with  such  grievous  afflictions,  will  not  fail  to 
comfort  and  uphold  them  in  this  hour  of  their  bitter  trial ! 

“ 0 ! thou  that  will  not  break  the  bruised  reed, 

Nor  heap  fresh  ashes  on  the  mourner’s  brow, 

Nor  rend  anew  the  wounds  that  inly  bleed, 

The  only  balm  of  their  afflictions  Thou  ! 

Teach  them  to  bear  thy  chasteniug  wrath,  0 God ! 

' To  kiss,  with  quivering  lips,  still  humbly  kiss  thy  rod  I 

Forgive,  forgive,  e'en  should  their  full  heart  break. 

The  broken  heart  thou  wilt  not.  Lord,  despise. 

Ah ! thou  art  still  too  gracious  to  forsake, 

Though  thy  strong  hand  so  heavily  chastise.” 

Among  the  testimonials  of  respect  from  superior  officers,  and 
different  friends,  w^as  the  following  order,  dated  adjutant  and  inspec- 
tor’s office,  Washington,  November  20th,  1847,  and  addressed  to 
Captain  J.  G.  Williams,  commanding  marines  at  Philadelphia : 

“ The  commandant  of  the  corps  with  profound  and  cordial  sorrow, 
announces  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  the  death  of  Major  Levi 
Twiggs,  while  leading  his  command  to  victory  and  glory,  on  the 
13th  September,  under  the  walls  of  the  city  of  Mexico.  In  his  loss 
the  corps  has  to  mourn  for  a gallant  officer,  who  has  passed  all  of 
his  youth  in  its  ranks,  and  his  country  for  an  estimable  and  patriotic 
citizen,  and  those  who  knew^  him  most  intimately,  fora  valued  friend 
and  a high-minded  gentleman. 

“The  usual  badge  of  mourning  will  be  worn  for  him  by  the 
officers  of  the  corps  for  one  month,  and  the  flag  at  head-quarters  will 
be  half-masted  to-morrow. 

“ By  order  of  the  Brevet  Brigadier-General  Commandant.” 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MAY. 


The  reputation  of  Colonel  May  is  based  upon  his  conduct  in  the 
operations  on  the  Rio  Grande.  During  that  period  of  gloom  and 
foreboding,  his  activity,  courage,  and  experience  were  to  General 
Taylor  invaluable. 

Little  is  known  of  his  early  history.  He  is  a native  of  the  city 
of  Washington,  and  son  of  Dr.  May.  When  the  2d  regiment  of 
dragoons  was  organized,  during  General  Jackson’s  administration, 
he  was  commissioned  as  lieutenant,  and  ordered  ^to  Florida.  Here 
his  duties  were  of  course  arduous but  if  we  except  the  capture  of 
the  Indian  chief  Philip,  nothing  of  interest  is  related  of  him. 

After  he  had  joined  General  Taylor  at  Corpus  Christi,  we  hear 
little  of  him  until  the  march  of  that  officer  from  Fort  Brown  to  Point 
Isabel,  in  order  to  open  the  communication  between  them.  As  the 
cannonading  of  the  river  fort  subsequent  to  Taylor’s  departure,  had 
been  heard  at  Point  Isabel,  great  anxiety  was  experienced  as  to  the 
result ; and  in  order  to  ascertain  the  condition  of  the  garrison.  Cap- 
tain May  with  one  hundred  dragoons  was  despatched  to  the  Rio 
Grande.  He  set  out  about  two  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  after 
proceeding  some  distance,  halted  until  the  approach  of  night.  They 
then  hurried  forward  until  about  nine,  when  the  Mexican  fires  be- 
came visible  in  the  distance,  and  soon  after  their  whole  army  was 
observed  stretched  in  sleep,  over  the  open  plain.  Maintaining  the 
strictest  silence.  May  passed  round  their  front,  and  succeeded  in 
gaining  unobserved  a chapparal  hedge  at  some  distance  from  the 
fort.  He  now  sent  Captain  Walker,  of  the  Texas  rangers,  to  com- 
municate with  Major  Brown.  After  waiting  until  near  daylight 
without  hearing  any  news  of  the  captain.  May  concluded  that  he 
had  been  captured  by  the  enemy  and  accordingly  set  out  on  his 
return.  About  sunrise  he  passed  within  half  a mile  of  the  Mexican 
main  body  without  molestation.  Soon  after  he  encountered  over 
one  hundred  lancers,  drawn  up  in  order  of  battle,  about  twelve  miles 
from  Point  Isabel.  These  he  charged,  and  drove  them  nearly  three 
19 


218 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MAY. 


miles,  but  was  not  able  to  overtake  them  in  consequence  of  the  ex- 
hausted condition  of  his  horses.  He  reached  Point  Isabel  about 
nine  o’clock,  P.  M.,  of  the  4th. 

The  report  of  Captain  May  shows  the  part  he  took  in  the  actions 
of  the  8th  and  9th. 

“ Having  been  detached  from  the  head-quarters  of  my  regiment 
with  my  squadron,  and  acting  under  the  immediate  orders  of  the 
commanding-general  during  the  actions  of  the  8th  and  9th  instant,  it 
becomes  my  duty  to  report  the  services  which  the  squadron  I had 
the  honour  to  command  rendered  during  these  actions. 

“You  are  aware  that  my  first  orders  on  the  8th  were  to  strengthen 
the  left  flank  of  the  army,  and  sustain  Captain  Duncan’s  battery ; 
in  this  position  I lost  two  horses  killed  and  two  wounded. 

“ About  half  an  hour  before  sunset  I received  orders  to  proceed 
to  the  enemy’s  left  flank  and  drive  in  his  cavalry.  In  execution  | 
of  these  orders,  and  while  passing  the  general  and  his  stafl^,  the 
enemy  concentrated  the  fije  from  their  batteries  upon  us,  killing  six  i 
of  my  horses  and  wounding  five  men.  I succeeded  in  gaining  a 
position  on  the  enemy’s  left  with  a view  of  charging  his  cavalry,  but  ^ 
found  him  in  such  force  as  to  render  ineffectual  a charge  from  my  ^ 
small  command,  and  therefore  returned,  in  obedience  to  my  instruc- 
tions, to  my  first  position,  where  I remained  until  the  close  of  the 
action,  which  terminated  very  shortly  afterwards.  Thus  ended  the 
service  of  my  squadron  on  the  8th. 

“ On  the  morning  of  the  9th  my  squadron  was  actively  employed  ^ 
in  reconnoitring  the  chapparal  in  advance  of  the  field  of-  the  8th,  I 
and  on  the  approach  of  the  army  I took  my  position  as  the  advance-  ; 
guard.  When  about  half  a mile  from  the  position  which  the  enemy 
were  reported  to  have  taken,  I was  ordered  to  halt  and  allow  the 
artillery  and  infantry  to  pass,  and  await  further  orders.  I remained 
in  this  position  about  three-quarters  of  an  hour,  when  I received 
orders  to  report  with  my  squadron  to  the  general.  I did  so,  and 
was  ordered  by  the  general  to  charge  the  enemy’s  batteries  and 
drive  them  from  their  pieces,  which  was  rapidly  executed,  with  loss 
of  Lieutenant  Inge,  seven  privates,  and  eighteen  horses  killed,  and 
Sergeant  Muley,  nine  privates,  and  ten  horses  wounded.  Lieu- 
tenant Sackett  and  Sergeant  Story,  in  the  front  by  my  side,  had 
their  horses  killed  under  them,  and  Lieutenant  Inge  was  gallantly 
leading  his  platoon  when  he  fell.  We  charged  entirely  through  the 
enemy’s  batteries  of  seven  pieces  — Captain  Graham,  accompanied 


218 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MAY. 


miles,  but  was  not  able  to  overtake  them  in  consequence  ortjie  ex- 
hausted condition  of  his  horees.  He  reached  Point  Isabel  about 
ninc^’clock,  P.  M.,'of  the  4th.  ^ 

The  report  of  Captain  May  shows  the  pa|t  he  took  in  the  actions 
of  the  8th  and  9th. 

“ Having  been  detached  from  the  head-quarters  of  my  regiment 
with  my  squadron,  and  acting  under  the  immediate  orders*  of  the 
j^ipmmanding-general  during  the  actions  of  the  8th  and  9th  instant,  it 
becomes  my  duty  to  report  ,the  services  which  the  squadron  I had 
the  honour  to  command  rendered  during  these  actions. 

I*  You  are  aware  that  my  first  orders  on  the  8th  were  to  strengthen 
^e  leftfiank  of  the  army,  and  sustain  Captain  Duncan’s  battery  ; 
in  this  position  I lost  two  horses  killed  and  two  wounded. 

“About  half  an  ]iour  before  sunset  L received  orders  to  proceed 
ip  the'^enemy’s  left  flank  and  drive  in  his  cavalry.  In  execution 
of  these  orders,  and  while  passing  the  general  and  his  staff)  the 
enemy  concentrated  the  fire  from  their  batteries  upon  us,  killing  six 
of  my  horses  and  wounding  five  men,  I succeeded  in  gaining  p 
position  on  the  enemy’s  left  with  a view  of  charging  his  cavalry,  but 
found  him  in  such  force  as  to  render  ineffectual  u charge  from  ifiy 
small  command,  and  therefore  returned,  in  obedience  to^ my  instruc- 
tions, to  nxy  first  position,  where  I remained  until  the  close  pfj  fhe 
.action,  which  termina^d  very  shortly  afterwards.  Thus  ended  the 
service  of  my  squadron  on  the  8th,  ' . . 

“ On  the  morning  pf  the  9th  my  squadron  w^as  acfively  employed 
in  recoimoitring  the  chapparal  in  advance  of  the  field  of  the  8tb,' 
and  on  the  approach  of  the  army  I took  my  position  as  the  advance- 
guard.  When  abofit  half  a mile  from  the  position  which  the  enemy 
were  feported  to  have  taken,  I was  ordered  to  halt  and  allow  the 
artillery  and  infantry  to  pass,  and  await  further  orders.  I remained 
in  this  position  about  three-quarters  ofs  an  hour,  when  I received 
orders  to  report  with  my  squadron  to  the  general.  I did  so,  and 
was  ordered  by  the  general  to  charge  the  enemy’s  batteries  and 
drive  them,  from  their  pieces,  which  was  rapidly  executed,  with  loss 
of  Lieutenant  Inge,  seven  privates,  and  eighteen  j|prses  killed,  and 
Sergeant  Muley,  nine  privates,  and  ten  horses  wounded.  Lieu- ‘ 
tenant'  Sackett  and  Sergeant  Story,*  in  the  front  by  my  jide,  had . 
their  horses  killed  under  them,  and  Lieutenant  Inge  was  gallantly 
leading  his  platoon  when  he  fell.  We  charged  entirely  through  the 
enemy’s  batteries,  of  seven  pieces— Captain  Graham,  accompanied 


^ LIEUTENANT-COLONEL*  MAY.  219 

by  Lieutenants  Winship  and  Pleasanton,  leading  the  charge  against 
the  pieces  on  the  left  of  the  road,  apd  myself,  accompanied  by 
Lieutenants  Inge,  Stevens,  and  Sackett,  those  on  the  direct  road, 
and  gained  the  rising  ground  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  ravine, 
’yhe  charge  was  made  Under  a heavy- fire  of  the  enemy’s  batteries, 
which  accounts  for  my  great  loss.  After  gaining  the  rising  ground 
in  the  rear  I could  rally  but  six  men,  and  with  these  I charged  their 
gunners,  who  had  regained  their  pieces,  drove  them  off,  and  took 
prisoner  General  Vega,  whom  I found  gallantly  fighting  in  person 
at  his  battery.  I ordered  him  to  surrender,  and  on  recognising  me  ^ ' 
as  an  officer,  he  handed  me  his  sword.  / 1 brought  him,  under  a 
heavy  fire  of  their  infantry,  to  bur  lines,  accompanied  by  Lieutenant 
Stevens,  and  a sergeant  of  my  squadron.  I then  directed  Lieutepant 
Stevens  to  conduct  hirri  in  safety  to  our  rear,  and  present  his  sword 
to  the  commanding  general. 

“From  this  time  until, the  enemy  were  routed,  I was  engaged  in 
collecting  my  men,  who  had  become  scattered  in  our  lines.  I suc- 
ceeded in^  assembling  half  of  my  squadron,  and  joined  the  army  in 
pursuit  of  the  enemy,  until  he  crossed  the  Ria  Grande,  from  which  4^ 
I returned  to  camp.  , : -3 

“ I cannot  speak  in  terms  pf  sufficient  praise  pf  the  steadiness  and 
gallantry-  of  the  officers  aUd  meri  of  my  command.  They  all 
behaved  with  that  spirit  of  courage  and  noble  daring  which  distin- 
guished the  whole  army*in  this  memorable  action,  and  achieved  the 
most  brilliant  victory  of  the  age.^” , . ^ 

Spea^dng  of  this  charge.  General  Taylor  says ; 

“The  charge  of  cavalry  against  the  enemy’s  batteries  on  the  9th, 

^ was  gallantly  led  by  Captain  May,  and  had  complete  success.” 

/ “After  the  unsurpassed,  if  not  unequalled  charge  of  Captain 
May’s  squadron,”  says  Colonel  Twiggs,  “ the  enemy  was  unable  to 
fire  a piece.”  ^ ' 

In  Lieutenant  Ridgely’s  report  is  the  following  incident  of  this 
charge : — ' 

“ Captain  May  rode  up  and  said — ‘ Where  are  they  ? J am  going 
to  charge.’  I gave  them  a volley,  and  he  most  gallantly  dashed  for- 
ward in  ‘column  of  fours’ at  the  head  of  his  squadron.  I followed 
as  quickly  as  possible  at  a gallop,  only  halting  when  I came  upon 
the  edge  of  the  ravine,  and  where  I found  three  pieces  pf  artillery, 
hut  no  cannoneers;  however,  their  infantry  poured  into  me  a rhost 


220  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MAY. 

galling  fire,  at  from,  twenty-five  to  fifty  paces;  and  here  ensued  a 
most  desperate  struggle;  but  our  infant^  coming  up  they,  were 
completely  routed.’- 

Ih^e  march  from  Matamoras  to  Monterey,  May  "occaisionally 
acted  as  a scout,  to  obtain  information  of  the.  enemy.  Prior  to  the  . 
I operations  against  the'  city,  he  was.  promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieu-* 

’ tenant-colonel.  Unfortunately,  the  nature  of  the  assault  against  the 
city  did  not  permit  the  second  dragoons  to  be  brought  into  action; 
bnt  they  were  usefully  employed  by  Colonel  Mayas  escorts,  and 
! in  keeping  open  communications. 

At  Buena  Vista,  May  was  associated  with  Captain  Pike’s"  squad- 
I ron  pf  Arkansas  hprse,  and  rendered  useful  service  in  holding  the 
I enemy  in  check,  and  covering  batteries  at  several  points.  Extracts 
from  his  report  will  show  the  nature  of  these  duties. 

“Before  the  squadron  of  the  1st  dragoons  could  be  recalled,  it 
5 had  gone  so  far  up  the  ravine  as  to  be  in  close  range. of  the  enemy’s 
artillery.  It  was  thus,  for  a short  time,  exposed  to  a' severe  fire,' 
which  resulted  in  the  loss  of  a few  men.  The  other  two  squadrons 
/ and  the  section  of  artillery  were  in  the  mean  time  placed  ip  motion 
for  Buena  Vista,  where  a portion  pf  our  supplies  were  stored,  and 
against  which  the  enemy  was  directing  his  movemenls.  Lieutenant 
Rucker  joined  me  near  tHe^ranchorand  in  time  to  assist' me  in 
checking  the  heavy  cavalry,  force,  which  was  then  very  near  and 
^ immediately  in  our  front.  A portion  of  the  enemy’s  cavalry,  _ 
^ amounting,  perhaps,  to  two  hundred  men,- not  perceiving  mycom- 
inand,  crossed  the  main  road  near  to  the  rancho,  and  received  a de- 
structive fire  from  a number  of  volunteers  assembled  there.  The’ 
remaining  heavy  column  was  immediately  checked,  and  retired  in 
great  disorder  towards  the  mountains  on  our  left,  before,  however,. 
I could  place  my  command  in  position  to  chatge.  Bqing  unable, 
from  the  heavy  clouds  of  dust,  to  observe  immediately  the  move- 
ments of  the  body  of  cavalry  which  had  passed  the  rancho,  I fol- 
lowed it  up,  and  found  it  had  crossed  the  deep  and  marshy  ravine 
on  the  right  of  the  road,  and  was  attempting  to  gain  the  mountains 
on  the  right.  I immediately  ordered  Lieutenant  Reynolds  to  bring 
his  section  into  battery,  which  he  did  promptly,  and  by  a few  well- 
directed  shots,  dispersed  and  drove  the  enemy  in  confusion  over  the 
mountains.  I next  directed  my  attention  to  the  annoying  colu^ 
which  had  occupied  so  strong  a position  on  our  left  flank  and  rear 
during  the  whole  day,  and  immediately  moved  my  command  to  a 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MAY.  221 

position  whence  I could  use  my  artillery  on  the  masses  crowded  in 
.the  ravines  and  gorges  of  the  mountains.  As  I was  leaving  the 
rancho,  I was  joined  by  about  two  hundred  foot  volunteers,  under 
Major  Gorman,  and  a detachment  of  Arkansas  mounted  volunteers, 
under  ^Lieutenant-Cdonel  Roane.'  Believing  my  command  now 
sufficiently  strong  for  any  contingency  which  might  arise,  I ad- 
vanced it  steadily  towards  the  foot  of  the  mountains,  and  to  within 
aTew  hundred  yards  of  the  position  occupied  by  the  enemy.  I 
then  directed  Lieutenant  Reynolds  to  bring  his  section  again  into 
battery ; and  in  the  course  of  half  an  hour,  by  the  steady  and  de- 
structive fire  of  his  artillery,-  the  enemy  was  forced  to  fall  back. 
This  advantage  I followed  up ; in  doing  which  I was  joined  by  a 
section  of  artillery  under  Captain  Bragg.  My  command  still  con- 
tinued. to  advance,  and  the  enemy  to  retire.  We  soon  gained  a 
position  where  we  were  able  to  deliver  a destructive  fire,  which 
caused  the  enemy  to  retteat  in  confusion.  While  the'  artillery  was 
thus  engaged,  by  order  of  General  Wool,  I steadily  advanced  the 
cavalry  ; but ■ owing  to  the  dee^  ravines  which  separated  iny  com- 
mand from,  the  enemy,  I was  unable  to  gain  ground  on  him.  The 
erieniy  having  been  thus  forced  to  abandon  his  position  on  our  left 
and  rear,  I was  again  directed  to  assume  a position  in  supporting 
distance  of  Captain  Sherman’s  battery,  which  occupied  its  former 
position,  and  against  which  the  enemy  seemed  to  be  concentrating 
his  forces,  After  having  occupied  this  position  some  time,  the 
geheral-in-chief  directed  me  to  move  my  command  up  the  ravine 
towards;^  the  enemy’s  batteries,  and  to  prevent  any  further  advance 
on  that  flank.  This  position  was  occupied  until  the  close  of  the 
battle,  the  enemy  never  again  daring  to  attempt  any  movement  to- 
wards, our  rear.  The  cavalry,  except  Captain  Pike’s  squadron, 
which  was  detached  for  picket  service  on  the  fight  of  the  road,  oc- 
cupied, during  the  night  of  the  23d,  the  ground  near  where  I was 
directed  last  to  take  my  position  before  the  close  of  the  battle..  Find- 
ing on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  that  the  enemy  had  retreated,  I was 
joined  by  Captain  Pike’s  squadron,  and  ordered  by  the  general  in 
pursuit.” 

Shortly  after  the  battle,  Colonel  May  returned  to  the  United 
States,  where  he  remained  for  a considerable  time.  ,The  fanie  of 
his  daring  achievements  had  preceded  hiin,  and  he  was  everywhere 
welcomed  as  a representative  of  the  gallant  ones  with  whom  he  had 
battled  in  Mexico. 


COLONEL  CROSS. 


The  name  of  Colonel  Cross  will  ever  be  remembered  with  sad- 
ness. JHis  splendid  military  talents  would  no  doubt  have  shed  a 
halo  of  glory  around  him,  had  .they- been  permitted  to  come  into 
exercise.  But  this  j)rivilege,  so  ardently  desired  by  himself,  and 
confidently  expected  by  a large  circle  of  friepds,  was  denied  him,-— 
He  was  the  first  martyr  in  our  struggle,  with  Mexico.  The  editpr 
of  Niles’  Register  thus  speaks  of  the  melancholy  event : — - 
‘‘  War  is  ct  horrible  evil.  The  first  yktim  in  this  new  war  into 
which  our  country  is  now  plunged,  has  brought  with  it  a deepening 
sense  of  the  evils  inseparable  from  the  mad  conflict  of  man  with 
man,  be  the  occasion  what  it  may.  An  acquaintance,  formed  in 
earjyjife— a warm  and.steadfctiriend  from  the  commencement  of 
thnt  acquaintanfe--a  generous,  open-hearted,  ardent,  intelligent,  and 
talented  man ; — one  who  was  in  all  the  attributes  a s(an  among  men, 
is  the  fii;st  victim.  His  father,  forty  years  since,  through  many  an 
ardent  struggle,  political  and  national,  was  shoulder  to  shoulder  with 
us,  in  war  with  arms  in  his  hand,  and  in  peace  or  war,  with,  as  ar- 
dent, patriotism  at  heart  as  ever  animated  a citizen  and  a republican. 
His  son  is  snatched  from  our  hopes,  as  well  as  from  a wide  circle 
of  friends,  and  from  his  own  wife,  now  widowed,  and  left  with  her 
orphans  to  a life— how  desolate  and  lonely  ! • Wreaths  may  encircle 
the  brow  of  victors  in  the  coming  contest,  but  what  shall  compensate 
for  suffering,  of  which  this  is  but  the  type,  that  must  be  the  price  at 
which  they  are  purchased  " 

Colonel  Trueman  Cross  was  born  in  Prince  George’s  County, 
Maryland.  His  father  was  also  a colonel  in  the  American  service. 
From  a condition  of  comparative  obscurity,  the  son  raised  himself 
by  his  industry  and  perseverance  both  to  distinction  and  affluence. 
His  military  career  commenced  under  General  Jackson,  with  whom 

(222) 


COLONEL  CROSS.  223 

he  served  bpth  in  Florida  and  the  Creek  country.  His^  promptness, 
strict  attention  to  duty,  and  indefatigable  perseverance,  gained  the 
approbation  of  his  superior  officer,  and  led  to  promotion  from  govern- . 
ment*  , ' ' / 

When  General  Taylor  was  sent  to  Texas,  Colonel  Cross  was 
employed  in  the  “Corps  of  Observation”  as  assistant  quartermaster- 
general,  and  proceeded  with  it  to  the  Rio  Grande.  Here,  while  the 
'aimy  lay  in  comparative  inaction,  he  exercised  himself  by  riding 
from  camp  daily  on  horseback.  On  the  10th  of  April,  he  remained 
so  long  on  his  excursion  as  to  Excite  the  fears  of  his  comrades ; more 
especially  as  his  little  son,  whom  he  had  taken  with  him,  returned 
-toward  evening  without  him.  Anxiety  soon  merged  into  painful 
foreboding,  and  scouts  were  sent  after  him  in  all  directions.  That 
day,  the"  next  and  the  next,  they  were  unsuccessful. General 
Taylor  wrote  twice  to  Ampudia,  but  without  being  able  to  ob- 
tain information  of  the  unfortunate  colonel.  Gloom  and  suspense 
pervaded  officers  and  soldiers,  until  the  2rst,  when  a straggling 
Mexican  entered  camp  and  reported  that  he  had  seen  the  body  of  an 
American.  A party  immediately  accompanied  him,  and  in  a thick 
chapparal,‘  Some  miles  from  the  fort,  lay  the  mangled  remains  of  the 
unfortunate  Cross.  'He  was  identified  by  portions  of  his  uniform. 
The  guide  reported,  that  a band  of  cut-throats  under  the  notorious 
Romano  Falcon,  had  attacked  him  on  the  10th,  and  were  about  to 
carry  him  inta  Matamoras.  To  this  the  leader  objected,  and  oh 
finding  his  followers  resolute,  killed  Xhe  colonel  with  a pistol.  A 
board  of  officers,  convened  oivthe  23d,  rendered  a verdict  in  accord- 
ance with  these  facts. 

The  following  order  [dated  April  23d,  1846]  was  "immediately 
issued  by  General  Taylor. 

“ The  commanding  general  has  the  painful  duty  of  announcing 
that  the  doubt  which  has  so  long  prevailed  in  regard  to  the  fate  of 
the  late  Colonel  Cross,  has  at  length  been  resolved  into  the  melan- 
choly certainty  of  his  death,  and,  there  is  too  much]  reason  to  fear, 
by  violent  hands. 

“The  high  rank  of  the  .deceased,  and  the  ability  and  energy 
which  he  carried  into  the  discharge  of  the  important  duties  of  his 
office,  will  cause  his  loss  to  be  seriously  felt  in  the  service,  while 
the  untoward  circumstances  of  his  demise  will  render  it  peculiarly 
afflicting  to  his  family  and  personal  friends. 


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224  C9L0NEL  CROSS. 

“ The  remains  of  the'  late  colonel  will  be  interred  with  military 
honours  at  4.  P.  M.  tb-morrow.  The  funeral  escort  will  be  composed 
of  a squadron  of  dragoons  and  eight ’companies  of  infantry  f the 
latter  to  be  taken  from  the  brigade,  and  the  whole  to  be  organized 
and  commanded  by  Colonel  Twiggs,  The  necessary  arrangements 
for  the  funeral  ceremony  will  be  made  by  Lieutenant-Colonel  Payne, 
Inspector-General.” 

Agreeably  to  this  order  the  funeral  took  place-  on  the  following 
day.  The  flags  were^  at  half-mast,  the  artillery  pealed  forth  mourn- 
ful volleys,  and  the  whole  ceremony  was  deeply  melancholy  and 
impressive.  - : • / 

There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  IVfexican  authorities 
were  entirely  ignorant  of  the  colonel’s  death.  The  regions  around 
the  Rio  Grande  had  always  abounded  with  lawless^banditti,  whose 
only  trade  was  murder  and  theft.  Falcon  was  a most  celebrated" 
leader,  acting  independent  of  all  control,  and  irresponsible  of  any 
one,.  The  occurrence,  therefore,  can  be  regarded  in  no  other  light 
than  as  the  outrage  of  a robber.  ; • . ^ 


) 


COLONEL  HARDIN. 


Colonel  Hardin  has;left  a reputation  to  his  family  and  nation 
more  precious  than  the  remembranpe  of  noble  achievements.  His 
character,  moral,  political,  and  military,  is  without  one  single  stain ; 
and  the  cruel  spirit  of  war  that  lit  the  bjaze  of  battle  at  Buena  Vista, 
snatched  no  more  valuable  treasure  from  that  bloody  field  than 
Colonel  Hardin.  i ^ 

, When  his  remains  reached  Mobile,  on  their  way  to  Illinois,  they 
were  honoured  by  every  manifestation  of  esteem,  and  an  eloquent 
eulogy  pronounced  over  them  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Van  pourt.  A 
sketch  of  the  ceremonies,  and  of  the  discourse,  exhibit  the  deep  feel- 
ing, even  of  a distant  State,  for  hfs  untimely  end,  and  contain  a slight 
Oiography  of  his  public  life,  ^ 

' ‘‘  About  daylight,  the  steamer  Missouri  arrived  from  New  Orleans, 
having  on  board  a large  number  of  volunteers,  returning  from  the 
war;  and,  m charge  of  Colonels  Weatherford  and  Warren,  the  re- 
mains of  the  lamented  Hardin  and  Houghton.  The  committee  of 
arrangements  had  already  made  such  preparation  as  were  deemed 
appropriate  for  the  reception  of  the  remains.  The  rotunda  was 
prepared  for  the  purpose.  A platform  was  built  in  the  centre,  rest- 
ing on  the  circular  railing  around  the  spiral  stairs  leading  from  the 
ground  floor.  In  the  centre  of  this  platform  was  erected  a monu- 
ment— a resting-place  for  the  dead— covered  with  appropriate  dra- 
pery, and  crowned  with  several  small  cannon  and  the  American 
flag.  Fmm  the  dome  was  Suspended  a green  chaplet  of  leaves. 
Muskets  were  stacked  around  the  monument  in  military  style^  Sus- 
pended from  the  railing  above  were  flags,  representing  the  several 
States — those  of  Illinois,  Kentucky  and  Mississippi,  and  the  National 
flag,  draped  in  mourning.  The  sky-light  having  been  darkened, 
and  the  rotunda  faintly  illuminated  by  light  suspended  around  the 

(225) 


226  ^ COLONEL  HARDIN. 

circle,  imparted  ta  the  scene  a redly  golemn  and  funereal  appear- 
ance.” " . 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  Reverend  gentleman’^  ad- 
dress:— ’ 

“ But,  for  obvious  reasons,  our.  attention  is  directed  tb-day,  more 
particularly  to  the  life  and  services  of  Colonel  John  J.  Hardin,  whose 
remains  are  before  us,‘Wrapped  in  the  flag  of  his  country.  At  the 
early  age  of  thirty-six,  he  has  been  called  to  sacrifice  his  life.  His 
history  cannot  fail  to  be  interesting. . As  soon  as  he  became  of  age, 
or  just  before,  he  emigrated  from  Kentucky,  his* native  state,  and 
became  a resident  of 'Jacksonville,  Illinois.  From  the  very  begim 
ningof  his  residence  in  the  state  of  his  adoption,  his  course  was 
onward  and  upward.  He  served  his  fellow-citizens  in  the  Legislar 
ture.  Their  sufirages  sent  him'  as  a'representative  to  Congress.  And 
had  his  life  continued,  his  career  would  have  been,  doubtless,  more 
brilliant  and  honourable  from  the  Tiniversal  esteem  in  which  he  wa^ 
held,  not  only  by  those,  of  his  own  politicaL  party,  but  by  those  whose' 
views  were  of  a different  complexion.  < . . ' , 

“ As  a citizen,*  Colonel  Kfardin  was  universally  esteemed,  not  only 
at  home  and  among  those  who  knew  him  best,  but  abroad  and  among 
strangers.  Friends  increased  arqund  him,  and  their  affections  waxed 
stronger  by  the  lapse  of  years.  ;As  n husband^  and  father,  I^e  was 
tender  and  affectionate  in  no  ordinary  degree.  May^He’who  ‘tem- 
pers the  wind  to  the  shorn  JarnV  who  is  a ‘ father  to  the^  fatherless 
and  a God  to  the  widow,’  remember^them  and  sustain' them  in  their 
hour  of  anguish  and  bereavement  ! As  a man,  he  was  honourable- 
and  high-minded  in  every  transaction ; true  and"  faithful  in  every 
office,  whether  of  business  or  friendship.  But  as  a Christian,  whose 
heart  and  hopes  were  in  Heaven,  I love,  pre-eminently,  to  think 
and  speak  of  him  now.  Not  only  was  he  rhy  brother  in  3ie  mystic 
rites  which  appertain  to  the  outer  courts  and  porches  of  the  Temple, 
but  he  was  my  brother  in  a secret  and  well-assured  hope  of  salva- 
tion through  Christ  the  Redeemer^  Having  cast  his  anchor  within 
the  veil,  all  his  conduct  was  uniform  and  consistent  with  his  profes- 
sion. As  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  in  Jacksonville,  his 
life  and  conduct  were  pure  and  stainless.  At  home  he.  was  ever 
active  in  his  Master’s  cause;  when  abroad,  and  especially  in  the 
Congressional  prayer-meetipg  at  Washington  city,  he  was  exem- 
plary and  useful.  ‘We  sorrow  not  as. those  that  have  no  hope,  for" 


FUNERAL  CEREMONIES.  227 

if  we  believe  that.  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them  also  which 
sleep  in  Jesus^  will  God  bring  with  him.’  ‘ This  corruptible  shall 
put  on  incorruptible,  and  this  mortal- shall  put  on  immortality.’  This 
cofiin  shall  burst  at  the  voice  of  the  Archangel  and  t^e  trump,  of 
God,  and  Hardin’s  lifeless  remains  .shall  be  arrayed  with  life  and 
clad  with,  glory. 

. “ Several  times.  Colonel  Hardin  came  near  losing  his  life.  Once, 
in  the  forest,  his  piece  was  discharged  accidentally,  and  the  ball 
Jodged  near  the  brain — but  his  time  was  not  yet  come.  Again,  he 
was  on  the  ‘Princeton’  when  the^ catastrophe  occurred  that  sent 
mourning  into  so  many  distinguished  families — but  there  was  other 
^^ork  for  him  to  do.  Providence  reserved  him  to  die  at  Buena  Vista, 
in  one  of  fhe  most  eventful  and  honourable  victories  ever  vouchsafed 
to  pur  arms.  - 

“ Gentlemen  of  the  volunteers,  be  pleased  to  convey  our  sympa- 
thies to.  your  fellow-citizens,  who  mourn  with  "us  your  loss.  Be 
pleased  to  convey  our -tender  regards  to  the, widow  and  the  ojphans 
of  him  who  fell  so  nobly*  Bid  them  dry  their  tears  while  they  think 
upop  the  pasj;  virtues  and  the  present  blessedness  of  him  they  once 
called  husband  and  father. . While  the  * name  of  the  wicked  shall 
rot,’ 1 the  memory  of  the  just,  is  blessed,!*  and ‘ the  righteous  shall 
be  in  everl^ting  remembra.nce.’  ...  - , 

“ Colonel  Benton  then  addressed  the  volunteers. 

; '“Colonel  Benton  said  he  was  in  a situation  at  the  time  to  witness 
all  the  anxiety  of  the  public  feeling  at  the  impending  shock  between 
the  unequaTnumbers  at  Buena  Vista.  He  was  at  Washington  city, 
and  saw  thp  feeling  of  every  body,  fmm  the  President  to  the  hum- 
blest individual  that  walked  the  street.  It  was  the  absorbing  subject 
between  every  two  that  met ; and  the  anxiety  of  the  whole  popula- 
tion/or the  fate  of  the  small,  band  of  fresh  troops  who  were  to  receive 
the  shock  of  four  times  their  number  of  veterans  amounted  to  an 
agony!  At  last  the  glorious  news  came  of  a great  and  almost  un- 
• paralleled  victory.^  At  first,  the  feeling  of  joy,  gratitude  and  thank- 
fulness, broke  out : quickly  a mournful  feeling  succeeded,  in  read- 
ing over  the  long  list  of  the  fallen.  At  every  name  there  was  a 
pause,  to  refiect  upon  the  virtues  and  the  fate  of  the  dead — to  aym^ 
pathize  with  the  sorrows  and  bereavements  of  families.  The  western 
were  among  the  states  to  share  most,  largely , the  honours  and  the 
sorrows  of  that  day.  Our  sister  state  of  Illinois  comes  in  for  a large 


FUNERAL  CEREMONIES. 


227 


if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them  also  which 
sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with  him.’  ‘ This  corruptible  shall 
put  on  incorruptible,  and  this  mortal  shall  put  on  immortality.’  This 
coffin  shall  burst  at  the  voice  of  the  Archangel  and  the  trump  of 
God,  and  Hardin’s  lifeless  remains  shall  be  arrayed  with  life  and 
clad  with  glory. 

“ Several  times.  Colonel  Hardin  came  near  losing  his  life.  Once, 
in  the  forest,  his  piece  was  discharged  accidentally,  and  the  ball 
lodged  near  the  brain — but  his  time  was  not  yet  come.  Again,  he 
was  on  the  ‘Princeton’  when  the  catastrophe  occurred  that  sent 
mourning  into  so  many  distinguished  families — ^but  there  was  other 
work  for  him  to  do.  Providence  reserved  him  to  die  at  Buena  Vista, 
in  one  of  the  most  eventful  and  honourable  victories  ever  vouchsafed 
to  our  arms. 

“ Gentlemen  of  the  volunteers,  be  pleased  to  convey  our  sympa- 
thies to  your  fellow-citizens,  who  mourn  with  us  your  loss.  Be 
pleased  to  convey  our  tender  regards  to  the  widow  and  the  orphans 
of  him  who  fell  so  nobly.  Bid  them  dry  their  tears  while  they  think 
upon  the  past  virtues  and  the  present  blessedness  of  him  they  once 
called  husband  and  father.  While  the  ‘ name  of  the  wicked  shall 
rot,’  ‘ the  memory  of  the  just  is  blessed,’  and  ‘ the  righteous  shall 
be  in  everlasting  remembrance.’ 

“ Colonel  Benton  then  addressed  the  volunteers. 

“ Colonel  Bepton  said  he  was  in  a situation  at  the  time  to  witness 
all  the  anxiety  of  the  public  feeling  at  the  impending  shock  between 
the  unequal  numbers  at  Buena  Vista.  He  was  at  Washington  city, 
and  saw  the  feeling  of  every  body,  from  the  President  to  the  hum- 
blest individual  that  walked  the  street.  It  was  the  absorbing  subject 
between  every  two  that  met ; and  the  anxiety  of  the  whole  popula- 
tion for  the  fate  of  the  small  band  of  fresh  troops  who  were  to  receive 
the  shock  of  four  times  their  number  of  veterans  amounted  to  an 
agony ! At  last  the  glorious  news  came  of  a great  and  almost  un- 
paralleled victory.  At  first,  the  feeling  of  joy,  gratitude  and  thank- 
fulness, broke  out:  quickly  a mournful  feeling  succeeded,  in  read- 
ing over  the  long  list  of  the  fallen.  At  every  name  there  was  a 
pause,  to  refiect  upon  the  virtues  and  the  fate  of  the  dead — to  sym^ 
pathize  with  the  sorrows  and  bereavements  of  families.  The  western 
were  arpong  the  states  to  share  most  largely  the  honours  and  the 
sorrows"- of  that  day.  Our  sister  state  of  Illinois  comes  in  for  a large 


228 


COLONEL  HARDIN. 


share  of  both.  Before  us  lie  the  bodies  of  two  of  her  sons,  Colonel 
Hardin  and  Lieutenant  Houghton,  both  fallen  on  the  field  of  honour 
— both  now  borne  home  to  receive  the  honours  of  sepulture  among 
their  friends,  families  and  countrymen.  The  brave,  lamented,  and 
beloved  Hardin  lies  there ! (pointing  to  the  catafalque.)  His  re- 
mains are  stopped  here,  with  those  of  his  brave  associate  in  death, 
to  receive  the  voluntary  tribute  of  respect  in  a state  which  is  i^ot 
theirs  either  by  birth  or  adoption ; but  Missouri  claims  the  privilege 
of  joining  her  sister  Illinois  in  these  mournful,  but  grateful  offices, 
to  the  patriotic  dead,  and  to  the  no  less  patriotic  survivors  who  bring 
home  their  remains.  The  city  of  St.  Louis  this  day  acts  for  the 
state  of  Missouri ; she  represents  the  feelings  of  the  whole  state  in 
having  claimed  the  brief  possession  of  these  inanimate  remains,  ac- 
companied by  their  affectionate  survivors,  while  she  should  pay  to 
them  the  tribute  of  respect  and  affection. 

“Colonel  Benton  said  the  reverend  gentleman,  (Mr.  Van  Court,) 
to  whom  it  so  appropriately  belonged  to  be  the  principal  speaker  on 
this  occasion  of  devotion  and  pious  feeling,  and  who  had  so  well 
fulfilled  his  office,  had  well  described  the  character  of  the  lamented 
Hardm,  cut  down  in  the  meridian  of  his  day,  and  taken  so  early 
from  an  affectionate  family.  He  could  add  the  eulogium  of  his 
early  friends  and  acquaintances;  for  he  had  heard  the  voice  of 
Kentucky  mourning  over  his  death,  as  he  passed  through  that  state. 
His  name  was  added  to  those  of  her  other  sons  that  she  had  lost, 
and  universal  was  the  language  of  encomium  upon  his  character 
and  regret  for  his  loss.  Mourned  and  honoured  in  Kentucky  his 
native  state — to  receive  honours  and  tears  of  affection  in  his  adopted 
state — he  now  receives  from  the  state  of  Missouri,  in  this  sponta- 
neous act  of  respect  from  the  citizens  of  St.  Louis,  the  highest  de- 
gree of  esteem  and  affection  which  the  brevity  of  the  occasion  per- 
mits her  to  give.” 

“ The  ceremonies  of  the  rotunda  being  at  an  end,  the  procession 
was  again  formed,  and  the  remains  escorted  to  the  steamer  ‘ Defi- 
ance,’ from  which  they  will  be  debarked  at  Meredosia,  and  taken 
to  Jacksonville.” 

The  New  Orleans  Delta  has  the  following  remarks  on  the  con- 
duct of  the  Illinoians  in  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista. 

“We  have  had  occasion  before  to  express  our  high  admiration  of 
the  promptitude  and  readiness  of  the  Illinoians,  in  obeying  the  call 


HARDIN  AT  BUENA  VISTA. 


229 


of  the  government  to  rally  in  defence  of  our  national  flag,  and  of 
their  gallantry  and  conduct  on  the  field  of  battle.  No  state  has  fur- 
nished so  large  a quota  of  troops  for  this  war,  nor  has  any  state  been 
so  largely  represented  in  the  great  battles  which  have  shed  so  much 
lustre  upon  the  name  and  history  of  the  citizen  soldiery  of  the 
United  States.  Of  the  four  regiments  of  Illinoians  in  the  field,  each 
has  had  the  good  fortune  to  share  in  the  two  great  battles  of  Buena 
Vista  and  Cerro  Gordo.  In  the  latter,  the  regiments  of  Baker  and 
Forman  led  the  assault  on  the  well-defended  and  covered  works  of 
the  enemy ; and  when  they  had  carried  them,  were  foremost  in  the 
pursuit  of  Santa  Anna’s  retreating  squadrons.  It  is  said  that  on 
this  occasion  the  superior  bodily  vigour  and  fleetness  of  the  hardy 
boys  of  the  prairies,  were  fully  proved  by  their  passing  all  the  other 
soldiers  in  the  race,  and  being  the  first  who  were  ‘ in  at  the  death’ 
in  this  exciting  chase. 

“At  Buena  Vista,  Hardin’s  and  Bissell’s  regiments  bore  for  some 
time,  and  with  the  most  heroic  steadiness,  the  whole  brunt  of  the 
Mexican  charge.  The  1st  regiment  acted  in  concert  with  the  Ken- 
tuckians, and  shared  in  the  glory  and  loss  of  that  fatal  charge 
against  the  main  body  of  the  Mexican  army,  in  which  such  prodi- 
gies of  valour  were  performed  by  our  volunteer  soldiers,  and  so 
many  of  our  officers  fell  ‘ with  their  faces  to  the  foe.’  It  was  in 
this  charge  that  Hardin  received  his  death  wound.  His  impetuous 
daring,  and  that  of  the  noble  Clay,  had  suggested  the  charge.  • The 
cooler  courage  of  Colonel  McKee  doubted  the  prudence  of  such  a 
move.  ‘ Oh,’  replied  Hardin,  ‘ we  have  but  one  life  to  give  our 
country — let  us  at  them.’  McKee  gave  the  order,  and  gallantly 
was  it  executed ; but  unfortunately,  the  enemy  had  so  strengthened 
his  force,  that  the  charge  of  our  small  and  already  much  fatigued 
regiments  was  met  by  a force  of  five  or  six  thousand  infantry,  and 
a whole  brigade  of  cavalry.  Our  troops  stood  their  charge  until 
their  officers  were  shot  down,  and  their  ranks  were  so  thin  that  it 
seemed  like  courting  death  and  destruction  to  maintain  their  position 
any  longer. 

“This  much  of  the  first  regiment,  whose  paeans  have  been  sung 
by  the  whole  nation,  and  the  memory  of  the  gallant  colonel  is  em- 
balmed in  the  hearts  of  the  people.” 

The  anriexed  beautiful  lines  will  be  read  with  mournful  interest 
They  \^ere  written  a few  years  since,  by  Colonel  Hardin,  while  in 
20 


230 


COLONEL  HARDIN. 


Washington  city,  and  enclosed  in  a letter  to  his  wife.  It  is  some 
little  satisfaction  to  reflect,  that  his  burning  desire  was  granted — 
that  he  was  buried  at  home,  where  “ birds  may  sing  and  friends  are 
nigh.” 

“Bury  me  not,  when  I am  dead, 

Amidst  the  city’s  glare — 

Where  thoughtless,  careless  mortals  tread, 

And  wealth  and  misery  are  wed ; 

Oh  ! bury  me  not  there. 

“ Bury  me  not,  when  I’m  no  more, 

''High  on  the  mountain  bare — 

Where  nought  but  eagles  o’er  it  soar — 

And  storms  and  tempests  round  it  roar ; _ 

Oh ! bury  me  not  there. 

“ Bury  me  not,  when  I’m  at  rest, 

Where  martial  pennons  glare — 

For  empty  show  and  gorgeous  crest 
Can  never  soothe  an  icy  breast  j 
Then  bury  me  not  there 

“ Bury  me  not,  when  I shall  sleep, 

By  ocean’s  rocky  lair  ; 

Where  winds  and  waves  their  vigils  keep 
And  ever  moans  the  restless  deep-— 

Oh!  bury  me  not  there. 

“ Bury  me  not,  when  I am  gone, 

In  boundless  prairies,  where 
The  buried  dead  are  left  alone. 

Unmarked  save  by  a cold  grave  stone — 

Oh ! bury  me  not  there. 

“ But  bury  me,  when  I shall  die, 

’Midst  woods  and  flowers  rare ; 

When  o’er  my  grave  the  winds  may  sigh, 

The  birds  may  sing,  and  friends  are  nigh. 

Oh ! bury  me  then  there. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HENRY  CLAY. 


Lieutenant-Colonel  Henry  Clay,  second  son  of  the  Honour- 
able Henry  Clay,  was  a regular  graduate  of  West  Point,  in  which 
institution  he  was  ever  among  the  first  of  his  class.  He  afterwards 
left  the  army,  and  travelled  through  Europe.  On  his  return  he  was 
elected  to  the  Kentucky  Legislature,  where  he  remained  for  some 
years.  In  the  meanwhile,  he  married  and  settled  upon  a farm,  not 
far  from  his  father’s.  After  leaving  the  Legislature,  he  practised 
law  with  great  success ; but  was  doomed  to  experience  a heavy 
calamity,  in  the  loss  of  his  accomplished  wife,  the  favourite  of  her 
father-in-law.  He  continued,  however,  in  the  legal  profession,  until 
a comrnission  was  offered  him  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  newly- 
raised  Kentucky  rifles.  He  eagerly  accepted  it,  and  went  forth  for 
Mexico  never  to  return. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay  was  killed  in  a ravine,  while  pursuing 
the  enemy’s  cavalry  after  their  last  charge.  Led  by  himself  and 
McKee,  the  Kentucky  regiment  maintained  the  pursuit,  until  they 
had  got  completely  beyond  the  assistance  of  their  comrades.  At 
this  moment,  the  lancers  turned  with  the  suddenness  of  lightning, 
and  charged  them,  while  broken  and  scattered  by  a rocky  ravine. 
The  ensuing  battle  was  terrible  ; and  nothing  but  a section  of  Wash- 
ington’s battery  saved  that  handful  of  devoted  men  from  entire  de- 
struction. Young  Clay  was  shot  through  the  thigh,  and  being  un- 
able to  walk,  was  taken  up  and  carried  some  distance  by  his  men  ; 
but  owing  to  the  steepness  of  the  hill,  and  the  advance  of  the  enemy, 
the  gallant  lieutenant-colonel  begged  them  to  leave  him  and  save 
themselves.  Still,  with  fraternal  care  they  bore  him  on,  until  the 
whole  Mexican  army  were  almost  upon  them.  When  last  seen,  he 

(231) 


232 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  HENRY  CLAY. 


was  lying  on  his  back,  fighting  the  enemy  with  his  sword,  while 
they  were  stabbing  him  with  their  bayonets. 

The  letter  of  General  Taylor  to  Henry  Clay,  announcing  the 
untimely  event,  has  already  been  given.  The  general  thus  speaks 
of  him  in  the  official  despatch.  “No  loss  falls  more  heavily  upon 
the  army  in  the  field,  than  that  of  Colonels  Hardin  and  McKee,  and 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Clay.  Possessing  in  a remarkable  degree  the 
confidence  of  their  commands,  and  the  last  two  having  enjoyed  the 
advantage  of  a military  education,  I had  looked  particularly  to  them 
for  support  in  case  we  met  the  enemy.  I need  not  say  that  their 
zeal  in  engaging  the  enemy,  and  the  cool  and  steadfast  courage  with 
which  they  maintained  their  positions  during  the  day,  fully  realized 
my  hopes,  and  caused  me  to  feel  yet  more  sensibly  their  untimely 
loss.”  A similar  commendation  was  bestowed  by  General  Wool. 


COLONEL  YELL. 


Colonel  Yell  was  bom  in  Kentucky  in  1797,  and  with  his 
father’s  family  early  emigrated  to  Tennessee.  In  1813,  being  then 
but  sixteen  years  of  age,  he  enlisted  at  his  country’s  call,  and  rushed 
to  the  side  of  the  immortal  Jackson.  After  assisting  in  the  taking 
of  Pensacola,  he  accompanied  his  brigade  to  New  Orleans,  and 
there,  on  the  ever-memorable  Eighth,  he  distinguished  himself  for 
bravery  and-  patriotism.  In  1818,  when  volunteers  were  required 
for  the  Seminole  war.  Colonel  Yell  was  among  the  first  to  offer  his 
services ; he  raised  a company  and  was  chosen  captain,  and  during 
the  campaign,  it  is  said  of  him,  “ wherever  the  danger  was  greatest, 
there  he  was.”  Between  that  time  and  1827,  when  he  was  elected 
to  the  legislature  of  Tennessee,  he  finished  his  education,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  practice  of  law.  He  was  loved  by  General  Jackson 
for  his  many  noble  qualities,  and  received  from  him  many  evidences 
of  his  confidence. 

In  1832  he  was  appointed  receiver  of  public  moneys,  and  re- 
moved to  Arkansas,  but  soon  after  resigned.  He  was  then  appointed 
judge  of  one  of  the  district  courts  of  Arkansas,  and  was  distinguished 
for  his  firmness  and  impartiality,  his  quickness  to  perceive  the  right 
and  to  detect  the  wrong.  When  the  state  constitution  was  formed, 
he  was  elected  to  congress,  and  the  people  being  well  pleased  with 
his  services,  continued  him  there  until  1842,  when  he  was  chosen 
governor  of  the  state  by  a large  majority  ; but  in  1844  he  resigned, 
and  again  became  a candidate  for  congress.  He  was  signally  dis- 
tinguished in  the  great  canvass  of  1844,  and  was  triumphantly 
elected.  The  present  war  commenced,  however,  before  his  term  of 
office  expired,  and  with  the  true  spirit  of  the  soldier  he  returned  to 
Arkansas,  and  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  her  patriotic  volunteers, 
20*  L*  (233) 


234 


COLONEL  YELL* 


and  there,  in  the  hard-fought  field  of  Buena  Vista,  he  offered  up 
his  life  to  his  country. 

During  the  hottest  of  the  battle,  a large  body  of  the  enemy  were 
observed  concentrating  on  the  American  left,  preparatory  to  a de- 
scent upon  the  hacienda  of  Buena  Vista,  where  the  train  and  baggage 
were  deposited.  At  this  place  were  the  Kentucky  and  Arkansas 
cavalry,  under  Colonels  Marshall  and  Yell.  General  Taylor  de- 
tached a party  to  their  assistance,  but  before  it  could  arrive  the 
Mexicans  had  commenced  an  attack.  The  shock  broke  the  enemy’s 
column,  and  one  portion  swept  by  the  depot,  exposed  to  a destruc- 
tive fire  from  a small  infantry  force,  while  the  other  regained  the 
base  of  the  mountain  on  the  American  left.  At  the  moment  of  the 
charge.  Colonel  Yell  received  a lance  in  his  mouth,  which  tore  off 
the  lower  jaw  and  one  side  of  the  face,  thus  causing  his  death  while 
in  the  very  moment  of  victory. 


MAJOR  BROWN. 


The  remembrance  of  one,  the  loss  of  whom  a commander  like 
General  Taylor  pronounced  irreparable,  will  ever  be  cherished  by 
the  nation  as  one  of  her  proudest  legacies.  No  nobler  heart  than 
Major-Brown’s  ever  throbbed  out  its  life-blood,  an  offering  to  pa- 
triotism. 

Jacob  Brown  was  born  in  New  England  about  the  year  1787  or 
1788.  He  enlisted  in  the  infantry  as  a common  soldier  in  1812, 
and  before  the  close  of  the  war  rose  to  a lieutenancy.  He  was  in 
all  the  battles  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  where  he  not  only  behaved 
with  skill  and  courage,  but  won  the  approbation  of  his  superiors. 

After  the  war.  Lieutenant  Brown  remained  in  the  army,  and  his 
character  becoming  known  to  government,  he  was  frequently  em- 
ployed in  offices  of  trust  and  importance.  At  one  time  he  was 
stationed  at  Council  Bluffs,  as  commissary  of  subsistence ; after- 
wards he  was  ordered  to  Arkansas,  and  subsequently  to  St.  Louis, 
as  quartermaster  of  the  war  department.  Like  most  of  our  officers 
he  experienced  the  trials  and  mortifications  of  the  Florida  cam 
paigns,  in  which  he  was  in  continual  service ; and,  like  too  many 
who  there  toiled  and  suffered,  his  deeds  have  been  allowed  to  slum- 
ber in  forgetfulness.  At  the  time  of  his  joining  the  “ Corps  of  Ob- 
servation” he  had  risen  to  the  grade  of  major,  which  he  held  at  the 
time  of  his  death. 

When  General  Taylor  left  the  river  fort  [May  1]  to  march  for 
Point  Isabel,  he  appointed  Major  Brown  as  commandant,  with  the 
7th  regiment  of  infantry,  and  the  artillery  companies  of  Bragg  and 
Loud,  the  whole  numbering  about  six  hundred  men.  His  orders 
were  not  to  make  any  sally,  and,  if  surrounded,  to  fire  eighteen- 
pounders,  at  regular  intervals,  in  order  to  apprize  General  Taylor 
of  his  condition. 

(235) 


236 


MAJOR  BROWN. 


During  the  whole  of  the  2d,  the  garrison  continued  to  labour 
upon  the  fortifications,  unmolested ; but,  on  the  8d,  all  the  batteries 
in  Matamoras  opened  upon  the  fort,  and  continued  until  night.  On 
the  evening  of  the  following  day,  the  Mexicans  crossed  the  river, 
spread  themselves  around  the  fort,  and  erected  a new  battery  in  a 
neighbouring  field.  A combined  assault  was  thus  made  on  the  5th, 
which  continued  with  but  little  interruption  until  Taylor’s  return. 
Several  demonstrations  for  assault  were  made  by  both  infantry  and 
cavalry.  On  the  6th,  Major  Brown  ordered  his  men  to  stop  firing, 
in  consequence  of  the  scarcity  of  ammunition.  In  the  afternoon  he 
walked  as  usual  around  the  fort  to  see  that  every  man  was  at  his 
post.  So  thick  were  the  balls  showered  from  the  Mexican  batteries, 
that  the  Americans  were  obliged  constantly  to  dodge  or  fall  down. 
While  the  major  was  conversing  with  a soldier,  a shell  struck 
the  parapet  near  by,  and  glancing  off,  exploded  in  the  ground,  scat- 
tering clouds  of  dust  and  stones  around,  and  mortally  wounding  the 
commandant.  His  men  rushed  toward  him,  but  requesting  them  to 
resume  their  posts,  he  remained  composed  until  proper  assistance 
could  Be  obtained.  His  right  leg  was  torn  off,  and  he  suffered  in- 
describable agony;  yet,  perfectly  serene,  he  ordered  the  troops 
to  be  kept  at  duty,  and  expressed  his  satisfaction  that  the  misfortune 
had  not  befallen  a younger  man.  The  command  devolved  on  Cap- 
tain Hawkins. 

Major  Brown  lingered  until  the  9th.  Soldiers  wept  over  his 
corpse  as  over  that  of  a friend ; and  when  the  hero  of  Palo  Alto 
beheld  the  wreck  created  in  his  absence,  a tear  of  bitter  agony 
was  seen  to  course  down  his  cheek.  Besides  the  army  and  the 
country,  a wife  and  two  daughters  were  left  to  lament  the  sacrifice. 

When  news  of  the  event  reached  Little  Rock,  where  he  formerly 
dwelt,  a public  meeting  was  convened,  at  which  the  following  reso- 
lutions were  passed : — 

“ Resolved,  That  in  the  midst  of  the  rejoicings  occasioned  by  the 
victories  achieved  by  the  Army  of  Occupation  under  the  command 
of  General  Taylor,  we  grieve  for  the  loss  of  many  brave  officers  in 
the  American  army ; and  among  the  number  of  the  slain,  we  have 
to  deplore  the  loss  of  Major  Jacob  Brown,  of  the  7th  regiment  of 
infantry,  for  many  years  associated  and  known  in  this  community 
as  a faithful,  honest,  and  efficient  public  officer. 


MAJOR  BROWN. 


237 


“ Resolved^  That  our  sorrow  for  his  untimely  loss  to  the  army 
and  to  the  country,  is  consoled  by  the  manner  of  his  death,  in  the 
service  of  his  country,  by  the  hand  of  the  enemy,  on  the  field  of 
battle,  and  in  the  hour  of  victory. 

Resolved,  That  we  desire  in  this  public  and  solemn  manner  to 
testify  our  regard  and  esteem  for  the  private  virtues  and  personal 
worth  of  the  deceased  soldier,  while  he  was  associated  with  us,  our 
admiration  of  his  public  services  in  peace  and  in  war,  and  our  deep 
sense  of  the  crowning  sacrifice  of  his  life,  that  endears  his  memory 
to  his  countrymen. 

“ Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  be  signed  by 
the  chairman  and  secretary,  and  that  the  papers  of  the  city,  and 
throughout  the  state,  be  requested  to  publish  them ; and  that  a copy 
thereof  be  made  out  by  the  secretary  of  this  meeting,  and  trans- 
mitted to  the  family  of  the  deceased.” 

Similar  testimonials  were  voted  in  other  parts  of  the  Union. 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  0.  BUTLER. 


' / 

General  Butler  is  the  second  son  of  Percival  Butler,  an  officer 
of  the  Revolution.  He  acted  as  a volunteer  in  General  Winchester’s 
army  during  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  captured  at  the  river  Raisin. 
When  exchanged,  he  fought  under  General  Jackson  in  the  actions 
of  December  23d,  1814,  and  January  8th,  1815.  After  the  return 
of  peace,  he  practised  law,  until  June  29th,  1846,  when  he  was 
appointed  Major-General,  and  sent  to  Mexico.  He  speaks  thus  of 
his  services  at  Monterey;  — 

“ Pursuant  to  the  instructions  of  the  major-general  commanding, 
on  the  21st  instant,  at  about  eight  o’clock,  A.  M.,  I marched  my 
division,  (with  the  exception  of  one  company  from  each  infantry  re- 
giment, left  to  guard  the  camp,)  and  placed  it  in  order  of  battle, 
under  cover,  immediately  in  rear  of  the  mortar  and  howitzer  bat- 
tery, my  left  resting  on  the  main  road  to  Monterey.  I had  been  in 
position  but  a short  time,  when  I received  the  general’s  further  or- 
ders to  move  as  speedily  as  practicable,  with  three  regiments,  to  the 
support  of  General  Twiggs’  division,  then  engaged  in  an  attempt  to 
carry  the  enemy’s  first  battery  on  our  left.  To  expedite  this  move- 
ment, I marched  the  three  nearest  regiments,  commanded  respec- 
tively by  Colonels  Davis,  Campbell,  and  Mitchell,  by  the  left  flank, 
leaving  Colonel  Ormsby  to  sustain  the  batteries.  Finding  the  rifle 
regiment  in  front,  that  of  Colonel  Campbell  was  ordered  to  take  its 
place.  The  two  last-mentioned  regiments  constituting  General 
Gluitman’s  field  brigade,  he  took  the  immediate  command  of  them, 
and  moved  off  with  spirit  and  promptness  in  the  direction  indicated 
by  the  enemy’s  line  of  fire.  Having  seen  General  Gluitman’s 
brigade  fairly  in  motion,  I turned  my  attention  to  that  of  General 
Hamer,  now  consisting  of  the  Ohio  regiment  only.  Pursuing  the 
instructions  of  the  major-general,  I felt  my  way  gradually,  without 
any  knowledge  of  the  localities,  into  that  part  of  the  city  bordering 
on  the  enemy’s  continuous  line  of  batteries,  assailed  at  every  step 
by  heavy  fires  in  front  and  flank.  After  having  traversed  several 
(238) 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  O.  BUTLER. 


239 


squares,  I met  Major  Mansfield,  the  engineer  who  had  cond’jicted 
the  movement  of  General  Twiggs’  division  on  the  first  battery.  He 
informed  me  of  the  failure  of  that  attack,  and  advised  the  withdrawal 
of  my  command,  as  there  could  no  longer  be  any  object  in  advanc- 
ing further,  warning  me  at  the  same  time  that  if  I advanced  L must 
meet  a fire  that  would  sweep  all  before  it.  Knowing  the  major- 
general  commanding  to  be  but  a short  distance  in  the  rear,  I gal- 
loped back  and  communicated  this  information,  in  consequence  of 
which  he  gave  the  order  to  retrograde,  and  the  movement  was  com- 
menced accordingly.  In  a short  time,  however,  it  was  known  that 
General  Quitman’s  brigade  had  not  only  stormed  the  battery  in 
question,  but  had  also  carried  a stone  house  of  considerable  strength 
connected  with  the  first,  and  occupied  by  the  enemy’s  infantry. 
The  direction  of  General  Hamer’s  brigade  was  at  once  changed, 
and  the  city  re-entered  by  another  route,  which,  after  about  a half 
hour’s  march  under  a destructive  fire,  brought  it  -within,  say  one 
hundred  yards,  of  the  enemy’s  second  fort,  called  El  Diablo.  A 
very  slight  reconnoissance  sufficed  to  convince  me  that  this  was  a 
position  of  no  ordinary  strength.  Still,  feeling  its  importance,  after 
consulting  with  part  of  my  staff  as  to  its  practicability,  I had  resolv- 
ed to  attempt  carrying  it  by  storm,  and  was  in  the  act  of  directing 
the  advance,  when  I received  a wound  which  compelled  me  to  halt. 
Colonel  Mitchell  was  at  the  same  time  wounded  at  the  head  of  his 
regiment,  as  was  his  adjutant.  The  men  were  falling  fast  under 
the  converging  fire  of  at  least  three  distinct  batteries,  that  continu- 
ally swept  the  intervening  space  through  which  it  was  necessary  to 
pass.  The  loss  of  blood,  too,  from  my  wound,  rendered  it  neces- 
sary that  I should  quit  the  field  ; and  I had  discovered  at  a second 
glance  that  the  position  was  covered  by  a heavy  fire  of  musketry 
from  other  works  directly  in  its  rear,  that  I had  not  seen  in  the  first 
hasty  examination.  Under  all  these  discouragements,  I was  most 
reluctantly  compelled,  on  surrendering  the  command,  to  advise  the 
withdrawal  of  the  troops  to  a less  exposed  position.  There  is  a 
possibility  that  the  work  might  have  been  carried,  but  hot  without 
excessive  loss,  and  if  carried,  I feel  assured  it  would  have  been  un- 
tenable. 

“ Accordingly,  the  division  under  General  Hamer,  on  whom  de- 
volved the  command,  moved  to  a new  position  near  the  captured 
fort,  and  within  sustaining  distance  of  our  field  batteries  on  the  left 


240 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  O.  BUTLER. 


The  troops  remained  in  and  near  this  position,  and  under  fire  of  the 
enemy’s  batteries,  until  late  in  the  day.  For  the  details  of  the  after 
proceedings  of  the  day,  I refer  to  General  Hamer’s  report. 

“ It  is  with  no  little  pride  and  gratification  that  I bear  testimony 
of  the  gallantry  and  good  conduct  of  my  command.  Were  proof 
wanting,  a mournful  one  is  to  be  found  in  the  subjoined  return  of 
the  casualties  of  the  day.  That  part  of  my  division  properly  in 
the  field  did  not  exceed  eleven  hundred,  of  which  number  full  one- 
fifth  were  either  killed  or  wounded.  The  fact  that  troops  for  the 
first  time  under  fire  should  have  suffered  such  loss  without  shrink- 
ing, in  a continuous  struggle  for  more  than  two  hours,  and  mainly 
against  a sheltered  and  inaccessible  foe,  finds  but  few  parallels,  and 
is  of  itself  an  eulogium  to  which  I need  not  add.  That  there  were 
some  more  prominent  for  skill  and  gallantry  than  others,  even  in  a 
contest  where  all  were  brave,  there  can  be  no  doubt ; and  I leave 
to  those  better  qualified  from  their  situations  than  myself  the  pleas- 
ing though  delicate  task  of  reporting  upon  their  respective  merits. 

“ Of  my  brigadiers,  however,  it  is  proper  that  I should  myself 
speak.  General  Hamer  was  placed  in  a situation  where  nothing 
brilliant  could  be  achieved,  but  which,  at  every  moment,  impera- 
tively demanded  prudence  and  calm  unbending  courage.  It  is  but 
justice  to  him  to  say  that  I found  him  equal  to  the  emergency. 

General  Quitman  had  before  him  a field  in  which  military 
genius  and  skill  were  called  into  requisition,  and  honours  could  be 
fairly  won,  and  I but  echo  the  general  voice  in  saying  that  he  nobly 
availed  himself  of  the  occasion. 

“My  special  thanks  are  due  to  Major  L.  Thomas,  assistant  adju- 
tant-general, General  A.  Sidney  Johnston,  of  Texas,  acting  inspec- 
tor-general, and  Lieutenant  G.  W.  Lay,  aid-de-camp,  who  not  only 
displayed  great  gallantry  and  coolness,  but,  by  their  professional 
skill,  activity,  and  energy,  rendered  valuable  service  throughout  the 
action.  After  my  withdrawal  they  remained  with  the  troops  in  the 
field. 

“ Surgeon  R.  P.  Hunt,  my  volunteer  aid-de-camp,  also  evinced 
great  coolness,  and  conveyed  promptly  the  orders  confided  to  him. 

“On  my  way  back  to  camp,  I found  the  Kentucky  regi mem, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  Ormsby,  drawn  up  in  fine  order  to 
repel  a threatened  charge  from  a large  body  of  Mexican  cavalry 
then  in  view.  Though  necessarily  kept  from  the  field  of  action 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  O.  BUTLER.  241 

proper,  they  occupied  a most  important  position,  and  had  two  men 
wounded  in  defending  it. 

“I  make  no  mention  of  the  movement  of  Captain  Webster’s 
howitzer  battery,  which  was  withdrawn  from  division  and  placed 
under  charge  of  the  chief  of  artillery.” 

The  following  letter  from  General  Butler,  to  a relative  in  Louis' 
ville,  gives  some  interesting  details  of  his  personal  experience  : — 

“ Monterey  is  ours,  but  not  without  a heavy  loss,  and  iny  division 
has  probably  sustained  more  than  one  half  of  it.  I am  myself 
wounded,  but  not  badly.  I was  struck  by  a musket  ball  below  the 
knee ; it  entered  in  front,  grazed  the  bones  without  injuring  them, 
ranged  round  through  the  flesh,  and  came  out  on  the  opposite  side, 

“ I became  faint  from  loss  of  blood,  and  was  compelled  to  leave 
the  field,  after  having  been  in  it  under  a heavy  fire  of  grape  and 
musketry  for  three  hours. — I have  been  required  by  my  surgeon  to 
keep  perfectly  still,  ever  since  the  battle. 

“ I was  in  the  act  of  leading  the  Ohio  regiment  to  storm  two  of 
the  most  formidable  batteries  in  the  town,  flanked  by  a stone  wall, 
ten  feet  high,  with  a deep  ditch  in  front,  and  covered  by  a strong 
musketry  force  in  the  rear,  under  complete  shelter.  There  were 
two  other  batteries  of  grape  shot  discharged,  that  swept  the  ground 
continually. 

“ Colonel  Mitchell,  who  commanded  the  regiment  of  Ohio  volun- 
teers, was  wounded  about  the  same  time  that  I was,  and  we  then 
prudently  abandoned  the  enterprise,  as  we  became  convinced  that 
our  loss  would  have  been  probably  at  least  one  hundred  more  men, 
had  we  persevered. 

“ I hope  you  will  not  think  I acted  rashly.  I know  that  I am 
often  rash  where  I involve  myself  alone ; not  so,  however,  when 
the  fates  of  others  are  at  stake. 

“ The  condition  in  which  we  w^ere  placed  fully  justified,  if  it  did 
not  positively  require  us  to  make  the  attempt.  The  peculiarity  of 
our  situation  I cannot  now  explain,  without  going  into  greater  detail 
than  I am  able  to  do. 

“ The  battle  commenced  about  nine  o’clock,  A.  M.,  and  continued 
without  intermission,  with  various  degrees  of  intensity,  for  eight 
hours. 

“I  had  almost  one  thousand  men  in  the  battle,  (the  Louisville 

21 


242 


MAJOR-GENERAL  WILLIAM  O.  BUTLER. 


Legion  having  been  left  to  guard  our  mortars),  and  of  that  number 
we  lost  in  killed  and  wounded  about  two  hundred  and  fifty. 

“ We  took  one  battery  and  a house  fitted  up  as  a fortification,  and 
assisted  the  regulars  in  taking  a second.  General  Worth,  with  great 
gallantry  and  equal  success,  and  with  far  less  loss,  carried  on  his 
operations  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  town. 

“ The  loss  of  the  regulars,  who  acted  with  us,  was  nearly  pro- 
portional to  ours  as  I learn,  though  I have  not  seen  the  official 
returns. 

“Under  all  the  circumstances,  the  terms  of  the  capitulation  are 
favourable  to  us.  There  are  still  several  strong  forts  in  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,  which  we  would  have  been  compelled  to  take  by 
regular  approaches  or  with  heavy  losses.  The  plaza  is  of  itself 
an  enormous  fortification  of  continuous  houses,  with  thick  stone 
walls,  and  all  the  streets  leading  into  it  strongly  fortified  and  filled 
with  guns. 

“ They  admit  that  they  will  have  at  least  eight  thousand  fighting 
men,  whilst  on  our  part  we  cannot  muster  five  thousand  for  duty, 
and  have  only  a few  heavy  guns,  and  those  we  took  from  them. 

“ Never,  I believe,  did  troops,  both  volunteers  and  regulars,  behave 
with  more  calmness  and  intrepidity,  and  I do  not  believe  that  for 
downright,  straight-forward,  hard  fighting,  the  battle  of  Monterey  has 
ever  been  surpassed.” 

Soon  after  the  assault.  General  Butler  returned  to  the  United 
States,  which  prevented  his  participation  in  the  battle  of  Buena 
Vista,  or  the  subsequent  operations  of  General  Scott. 


LIEUTENANT  J £.  BLAKE. 


One  of  the  best  eulogies  ever  pronounced  on  this  lamented  officer 
is  contained  in  a letter  written  by  General  Worth,  in  which  he  says, 
“ You  wilf  probably  by  this  mail  hear  of  the  loss  of  that  gallant 
ornament  and  devoted  member  of  the  Topographical  Corps,  my 
warmly-cherished  friend,  Blake.  The  manner  adds  poignancy  to 
our  sorrows.  Had  he  fallen  in  the  conflict  in  which,  by  all  accounts, 
he  had  especially  distinguished  himself,  regrets  would  have  been 
turned  into  envy.  After  the  battle,  on  casting  aside  his  weapons, 
one  of  his  pistols  accidentally  discharged,  and  gave  him  a mortal 
wound.  Knowing  and  valuing  him  as  I did,  you  will  readily  con- 
ceive how  I deplore  his  loss,  both  as  a gallant  and  true-hearted 
comrade  and  accomplished  friend.  He  has  left  no  better  soldier 
behind.” 

Lieutenant  Blake  was  a native  of  Philadelphia,  where  a large 
circle  of  friends  now  mourns  his  loss.  His  death  was  occasioned 
in  a manner  rather  singular.  On  the  morning  of  the  9th,  the  army 
stopped  at  a watering-place,  where  the  lieutenant  dismounted,  and 
after  expressing  his  gratification  in  view  of  some  rest,  he  threw  his 
pistols  on  the  ground,  preparatory  to  lying  down.  One  of  them  ex- 
ploded, throwing  the  ball  up  through  his  body,  and  he  fell  mortally 
wounded. 

The  celebrated  reconnoissance  of  this  officer  is  thus  described  by 
Captain  Duncan,  of  the  artillery  : — 

“ The  following  brief  account  of  the  daring  reconnoissance  made 
by  the  gallant  and  ill-fated  Blake,  at  Palo  Alto,  cannot  fail  to  be  in 
teresting  to  his  former  commander,  with  whom  he  was  so  long  asso- 
ciiited,  and  who  properly  estimated  and  appreciated  the  high  quali 
ties  he  possessed  as  a man  and  a soldier. 

“At  Palo  Alto  the  enemy’s  line  was  formed  with  his  back  resting 

(243) 


244 


LIEUTENANT  INGE. 


/ 


on  the  chapparal.  Partly  owing  to  the  bushes  in  which  some  of 
his  troops  were  posted,  but  chiefly  owing  to  our  distance  from  his 
lines,  it  was  impossible  to  ascertain,  with  the  necessary  certainty, 
the  disposition  he  had  made  of  his  difierent  arms. 

“ To  obtain  the  important  information.  Lieutenant  J.  E.  Blake,  of 
the  Topographical  Corps,  dashed  off  from  the  right  of  our  line  to 
within  musket-shot  of  the  enemy’s  left.  Here  he  dismounted,  and 
with  his  fleld-glass  coolly  counted  the  number  of  men  in  one  of  the 
enemy’s  squadrons,  which,  of  course,  enabled  him  accurately  to 
estimate  the  enemy’s  entire  cavalry  force.  Lieutenant  Blake  then 
remounted  his  horse,  and  galloped  from  left  to  right  of  the  enemy’s 
line,  stopping  from  time  to  time,  and  carefully  observing  the  forma- 
tion and  number  of  his  infantry,  as  well  as  the  position,  number, 
and  calibre  of  his  field  guns,  all  of  which  information  was  fully 
verified  by  the  subsequent  events  of  the  day. 

“ This  appropriate  act  of  personal  gallantry  was  certainly  unsur- 
passed on  either  of  our  glorious  days ; and,  in  my  own  estimation, 
it  had  no  superior  in  interest,  among  the  many  it  may  become  the 
plbasing  task  for  history  to  record.” 


LIEUTENANT  Z.  M.  P.  INGE. 


Lieutenant  Inge  was  the  second  man  in  May’s  charge  at  Re- 
saca  de  la  Palma,  and  the  first  who  fell.  He  was  born  in  Alabama, 
and  in  1838  graduated  at  West  Point.  At  Palo  Alto,  he  was  in- 
defatigable in  the  discharge  of  duty,  and  won  the  admiration  of  all 
who  witnessed  his  gallant  bearing.  He  was  close  upon  May  w^hen 
the  latter  leaped  the  Mexican  batteries,  and  immediately  turned  to 
wave  on  his  platoon.  At  this  moment  the  Mexicans  opened  their 
batteries,  and  the  intrepid  lieutenant  fell  dead.  Greatly  beloved  by 
the  army,  his  loss  was  mourned  as  that  of  a brother. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WATSON. 


Lieutenant-Colonel  W.  H.  Watson  was  a native  of  Baltimore, 
a lawyer  by  profession,  and  the  especial  favourite  of  the  circle  of 
acquaintances  in  which  he  moved.  Like  the  gallant  Ringgold,  he 
fell  in  the  full  blaze  of  victory. 

On  the  night  of  the  20th  of  September,  his  troops  lay  on  their 
arms,  and  arose  early  in  the  morning,  wet  with  heavy  rains,  and  ex- 
hausted by  fatigue  and  fasting.  In  this  condition  they  advanced  to 
the  attack.  Directly  across  their  road  was  a field  of  corn,  and  as 
the  men  passed  between  the  bending  stalks,  they  knew  not  but  that 
at  each  step  they  would  hear  the  burst  of  the  enemy’s  cannon,  or  a 
roar  of  musketry  from  thousands  of  concealed  riflemen.  For  an 
hour  they  toiled  through  weeds  and  brambles,  until  emerging  from 
the  field,  each  soldier  involuntarily  started  to  see  before  him  a huge 
battery  frowning  with  artillery,  and  lined  with  platoons  of  infantry. 
Its  guns  opened  at  once,  and  the  blood  of  the  youthful  volunteers 
rushed  thrilling  through  their  veins,  as  they  heard  the  whistling  of 
balls,  and  felt  that,  for  the  first  tiYne,  they  were  standing  in  the  march 
of  death.  All  was  confusion  and  uncertainty,  some  were  advancing 
to  assault  the  redoubt,  others  were  marching  a difierent  way  to  the 
cityT'  Suddenly  a single dror^man  swepFacross  the*  field,  and  With 
a voice  that  arose  above  the  peals  of  artillery,  called  the  assailants 
from  their  line.  It  was  Colonel  Watson.  He  dismounted,  and  the 
next  moment  his  noble  steed  reared  high  in  air,  and  fell  dead.  ‘ Men, 
shelter  yourselves,’  shouted  the  colonel,  and  as  though  by  one  im- 
pulse, each  one  fell  flat  upon  the  ground,  while  around  and  behind 
them  balls  were  falling  like  showers  of  hail.  It  was  a moment  of 
terror.  The  man  is  brave  who  can  face  an  opposing  army,  even 
when  he  has  the  hurry  of  march  and  resistance  to  excite  him ; bui 
21*  M (245) 


246 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WATSON. 


to  lay  inactive  while  thousands  of  balls  from  a sheltered  foe  are 
ploughing  the  ground  around  you,  is  something  more  than  brave. 

In  a little  while  the  fire  of  the  enemy  slackened ; and  taking 
advantage  of  it,  the  colonel  leaped  from  the  ground,  and  called  to 
his  men  to  follow  him.  They  hurried  into  the  city,  and  entered  a 
lane,  apparently  secure  from  the  artillery.  They  had  advanced  a 
little  distance,  when  a roar  of  cannon,  succeeded  by  another  and 
another,  awakened  them  to  a knowledge  of  their  fearful  situation. 
Three  full  batteries  glared  upon  them  from  a distance  of  but  one 
hundred  yards,  raking  the  street  from  one  end  to  the  other,  while 
two  twelve-pounders  opened  upon  them  from  the  castle  in  front,  and 
every  house,  and  every  wall  was  bristling  with  rows  of  musketry. 
All  at  once  this  tremendous  train  opened.  Then  there  was  a pause, 
and  as  the  echo  rolled  fainter  and  fainter  in  the  distance,  it  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  startling  tones  of  command,,  the  shrieks  of  the  wounded, 
and  the  deep  moans  of  the  dying.  On  the  devoted  line  marched, 
when  a second  discharge  scattered  their  ranks  like  a whirlwind,  and 
men  and  horse  leaped  in  the  air,  and  fell  writhing  beneath  the  hur- 
rying feet  of  their  companions.  The  earth  shook  under  this  heavy 
cannonade,  and  the  strong  old  walls  of  Monterey  toppled  as  though 
in  an  earthquake. 

Over  the  space  of  two  hundred  yards  the  soldiers  were  exposed 
to  this  awful  fire,  without  the  possibility  of  resisting  it.  At  length 
they  halted  at  a cross  street,  and  turned  to  survey  the  line  of  march. 
It  was  a sickening  spectacle.  Their  track  was  traced  with  blood ; 
and  here  and  there  groups  of  man  and  horse,  dead  and  wounded, 
told  of  the  points  where  they  had  received  the  discharges  of  artil- 
lery. Some  were  calling  piteously  to  their  companions,  others 
raving  in  the  agonies  of  death,  their  last  thrilling  appeals,  ren- 
dering more  awful  than  battle  itself  the  interval  of  death.  Then  the 
artillery  re-commenced,  sweeping  the  whole  street,  and  crossing 
and  re-crossing  at  every  corner.  Each  man  fled  to  a place  of  safety. 
Some  leaped  into  ditches,  others  fell  flat  upon  the  ground,  a few 
concealed  themselves  behind  an  old  wall,  and  a large  number  sat 
down  with  their  backs  against  the  houses.  On  came  the  iron 
showers,  rattling  and  crashing  like  hail,  and  sweeping  soldier  after 
soldier  before  it.  The  dead  and  wounded  were  lying  at  every  spot. 
The  wretch  who  once  fell  had  no  hope ; ball  after  ball  would  riddle 
him,  until  he  was  torn  to  pieces.  Now  a cannon-ball  would  strike 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WATSON. 


247 


one,  and  scatter  the  bleeding  fragments  in  every  direction  ; and  the 
next  moment  another  would  start  from  his  bloody  couch,  utter  a 
piercing  shriek,  and  fall  back  dead.  None  that  witnessed  that  ter- 
rible scene  ever  expected  to  escape  unhurt.  How  they  did  is  un- 
accountable. Balls  were  continually  pouring  around,  above  and 
beneath  them  ; under  the  arms,  through  the  locks  and  clothing,  and 
falling  at  their  feet  after  striking  the  walls  above.  Thus  the  troops 
remained  for  a quarter  of  an  hour,  and  then  arose  and  formed,  pre- 
paratory to  making  an  attack  upon  the  fort. 

In  the  march,  Colonel  Watson  became  separated  from  his  men, 
and  soon  after  joined  another  column.  The  battle  was  still  raging, 
but  he  rode  from  rank  to  rank,  cheering  and  encouraging  his  men 
as  calmly  as  though  in  a parade.  Animated  by  his  example,  they 
forgot  danger  and  weariness,  and  pressed  on  with  alacrity.  A flush 
of  excitement  — proud  and  patriotic  — passed  over  his  cheeks  as 
bending  forward,  he  spurred  his  steed  toward  the  head  of  the  column. 
A moment  after,  the  same  steed  was  coursing  wildly  through  the 
street,  and  his  intrepid  rider  lay  cold  in  death.  He  was  shot  in  the 
neck  by  a musket  ball. 

Thus  fell  the  pride  and  idol  of  the  Baltimore  volunteers,  no  less 
distinguished  for  his  generosity  and  goodness  of  heart,  than  for  his 
bravery  and  chivalry.  Amid  the  well-deserved  praises  bestowed 
upon  the  generals  of  that  assault,  little  mention  is  made  of  his  brave 
battalion,  who  with  himself  enacted  so  conspicuous  a part ; but  were 
the  complete  history  of  their  chivalric  struggles  on  that  day  written, 
posterity  would  be  proud  to  award  them  a share  of  glory  not  infe- 
rior to  any  corps  who  were  battling  with  them. 

On  the  reception  of  the  news  that  he  had  fallen,  the  sons  of  Bal- 
timore hasted  to  bestow  on  his  remains  similar  honours  to  those  con- 
ferred on  Ringgold.  The  legal  and  military  societies  met,  together 
with  the  society  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  adopted  appropriate  expressions 
of  their  sensibility  for  his  loss.  At  a meeting  of  the  bench  and  bar. 
Judge  Le  Grand  chairman,  John  McMahon  made  the  following 
remarks : 

“ In  the  midst  of  victory,  which  had  shed  a glory  over  our  coun- 
try’s history,  when  the  notes  of  triumph  were  sounding  over  our 
land,  this  hour  we  are  called  upon  to  mourn  the  death  of  a fellow- 
citizen,  a member  of  this  bar.  He  had  left  us  with  high  hopes  and 
aspirations  of  the  future,  and  had  yielded  up  his  life  for  his  country’^' 


248 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WATSON. 


honour.  We  who  once  knew  him  here,  shall  know  h_m  no  more 
on  earth.  Death  generally  comes  to  us  in  a.  different  manner,  with 
weeping  friends  around  ; but  death  has  come  to  him  in  the  hour  of 
victory.  In  looking  around  among  those  who  were  on  that  battle- 
field, we  recognised  the  names  of  many  members  of  the  bar  in  sister 
states,  who  had  volunteered  their  services  to  uphold  their  country’s 
honour.  It  was  not  to  be  expected  that  when  blows  were  to  be 
found  in  the  battle-field,  the  lawyers  would  be  out  of  the  way,  but 
would  be  found  in  their  country’s  ranks.  They  are  found  so  always, 
and  always  so  may  they  be  found.  With  feelings  of  mingled  sor- 
row and  exultation,  I now  move  the  adoption  of  the  following  re- 
solutions : 

“ Resolved^  That  while  we  participate  in  the  joy  that  gladdens 
every  heart  at  the  brilliant  and  triumphant  successes  of  our  coun- 
try’s soldiers  in  the  desperate  battles  which  won  the  surrender  of 
Monterey  to  their  courage  and  gallantry,  we  have  heard  with  deep, 
unaffected  sorrow,  that  Baltimore  has  again  to  mourn  another  gal- 
lant son,  in  the  death  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  William  H.  Watson, 
who,  with  his  brave  companions  in  arms,  volunteered  at  the  first  call 
of  his  country,  and  nobly  fell  while  leading  his  battalion  to  victory. 

“ Resolved^  That  while  we  deplore  the  loss  of  a youthful  warrior, 
whose  patriotism,  courage,  and  untiring  energy  gave  the  brightest 
promise  to  his  country,  we  most  deeply  mourn  the  death  of  one 
who,  as  a member  of  this  bar,  was  respected  by  all  for  his  profes- 
sional bearing,  and  loved  by  those  who  best  knew  him,  for  the 
warmth  and  steadfastness  of  his  friendship. 

“ Resolved^  That  we  sympathize  with  his  afilicted  family,  in  the 
sorrow  of  their  bereavement,  and  request  the  chairman  of  this  meet- 
ing to  offer  them  our  sincerest  condolence. 

“ Resolved^  That,  as  a tribute  to  the  memory  of  our  departed  bro- 
ther and  friend,  we  will  weansuitable  badges  of  mourning  for  ther 
remainder  of  the  present  term. 

“ Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting  be  entered  upon 
the  minutes  of  the  Baltimore  County  Court,  with  the  assent  of  the 
judges,  and  be  published  in  the  several  newspapers  of  the  city.” 

The  remains  of  this  noble  officer  were  conveyed  to  Baltimore, 
and  followed  to  their  final  resting-place  by  a concourse  of  people 
nearly  two  miles  long. 


CAPTAIN  R.  A.  GILLESPIE. 


Captain  Gillespie  was  a native  of  Tennessee,  but  for  many 
years  prior  to  the  Mexican  war  resided  first  in  Alabama  and  after- 
wards in  Texas.  In  the  latter  country  he  served  under  the  cele- 
brated Hays,  in  his  skirmishes  with  the  Indians.  He  volunteered 
his  services  to  General  Taylor,  which  were  immediately  accepted, 
and  his  rangers  performed  excellent  service  in  the  march  from  Ma- 
tamoras  to  Monterey.  At  the  latter  place  he  moved  with  Worth’s 
division,  and  had  some  severe  skirmishing  with  parties  of  lancers, 
who  charged  outside  their  works.  General  Henderson  thus  notices 
him  in  his  official  despatch : — 

“ In  doing  justice  to  the  living,  let  us  not  be  forgetful  of  the  dead. 
Among  the  fallen  in  my  command,  we  have  been  called  upon  to 
mourn  the  fate  of  a young  officer  who  was  the  brightest  ornament 
of  the  service,  the  soul  of  honour,  and  the  pride  of  chivalry.  He 
had  long  been  employed  by  the  government  of  Texas  in  defence  of 
the  western  frontier,  as  the  commander  of  a corps  of  mounted  ran- 
gers, and  probably  no  officer  ever  performed  his  duty  with  more 
activity  and  efficiency,  or  with  more  satisfaction  to  the  country.  He 
possessed  nothing  of  the  rough  habits,  ignorance,  and  presuming 
forwardness  which  is  usually  supposed  to  attach  to  the  frontier  sol- 
dier. He  was  an  educated  man,  and  a gentleman  by  nature  ; quiet 
in  his  manners,  amiable  in  temper,  just  in  his  dealings,  and  strictly 
moral  in  his  habits.  During  his  connection  with  the  present  cam- 
paign, his  deportment  was  such  — so  marked  by  a happy  union  of 
modesty  with  bravery,  and  dignity  with  obedience  — as  to  win  the 
hearts  of  all,  and  constitute  him  the  chief  favourite  of  the  army.  He 
followed  the  fortunes  of  General  Worth,  shared  in  all  the  dangers 
of  the  command,  and  closed  his  brilliant  career  amidst  the  shouts 
of  victory.  Though  feeble  in  frame,  the  inspiring  energies  of  his 

(249) 


250 


CAPTAIN  GILLESPIE* 


mind  enabled  him  to  keep  in  advance  of  his  comrades,  so  that  in  the 
storming  of  the  Bishop’s  Hill,  he  was  the  foremost  man  and  the  first 
victim  upon  the  ramparts  of  the  foe.  He  was  buried  where  he  fell 
— upon  the  loftiest  summit — and  the  mountain  that  encloses  his  re- 
mains will  stand  an  eternal  monument  of  his  glory — it  will  be  known 
in  history,  and  long  frequented  by  his  grateful  countrymen  as  the 
grave  of  Gillespie.” 

Similar  is  the  language  of  General  Worth.  He  “eminently  dis- 
tinguished himself  w^'hile  leading  his  brave  company  at  the  storming 
of  the  first  height,  and  perished  in  seeking  similar  distinction  on  a 
second  occasion.” 


CAPTAIN  RANDOLPH  RIDGELY. 


To  those  who  are  fond  of  tracing  resemblances,  one  might  be 
afforded  by  the  similarity  between  the  fate  of  Ridgely  and  that  of 
Lieutenant  Blake.  Both  perished  by  singular  accidents,  after  most 
terrible  conflicts,  in  which  they  nobly  distinguished  themselves. 

Little  is  recorded  of  Captain  Ridgely  prior  to  the  Mexican  war. 
His  splendid  career  at  West  Point  served  as  the  introduction  to  one 
still  more  brilliant  in  a foreign  country.  At  Palo  Alto  he  fought 
beside  Ringgold  until  the  death  of  the  latter,  when  he  supplied  his 
place.  The  coolness  of  his  demeanour  and  precision  of  his  aim 
were  the  theme  of  universal  approbation.  “Captain  Duncan  and 
Lieutenant  Ridgely  deserve  special  notice,”  says  General  Taylor, 
“ for  the  gallant  and  efficient  manner  in  which  they  manoeuvred  and 
served  their  batteries.” 

Similar  is  the  language  of  Colonel  (now  General)  Twiggs:  “ The 
perfect  coolness  of  Lieutenant  Ridgely,  and  the  great  precision  with 
which  he  fired  his  pieces,  whilst  acting  in  concert  with  the  5th,  de- 
serves notice,  the  last  and  most  effective  shot  he  having  aimed  him- 
self.” 

During  the  siege  of  Monterey^  Captain  Ridgely  was  often  em- 
ployed in  repelling  the  attacks  of  lancers  upon  different  portions  of 
the  American  camp.  On  these  occasions  he  fully  sustained  the  re- 
putation acquired  in  Texas.  In  the  street  fight  of  the  third  day  he 
united  with  Bragg  and  others  in  battering  down  portions  of  the 
cathedral  and  other  buildings  around  the  principal  plaza.  General 
Twiggs  thus  notices  his  services  at  this  time: — 

“ Captain  R.  Ridgely,  with  one  section  of  his  battery,  annoyed 
the  enemy’s  advanced  works  for  some  time  in  the  commencement 
of  the  assault,  but  was  obliged  to  retire  out  of  range  of  their  batteries 

(251) 


252 


CAPTAIN  RIDGELY. 


/ 


that  were  playing  on  him.  Having  used  a twelve-pounder  taken 
from  the  first  work,  against  the  enemy,  till  the  ammunition  gave 
out,  he  was  sent  with  one  section  of  his  own  battery  still  further  in 
advance  ; but  being  unable  to  accomplish  much  against  the  enemy’s 
heavy  breastworks,  returned  to,  and  occupied  with  his  battery,  the 
first  work  taken  from  the  enemy.  Captains  R.  Ridgely  and  B. 
Bragg,  and  their  subalterns,  deserve  the  highest  praise  for  their 
skill  and  good  conduct  under  the  heaviest  fire  of  the  enemy,  which, 
when  an  opportunity  offered,  was  concentrated  on  them.” 

“On  the  23d  the  advance  into  the  city  was  resumed  — the  infan- 
try working  their  way  from  house  to  house,  supported  by  Captains 
R.  Ridgely  and  B.  Bragg,  driving  the  enemy  before  them.” 

After  passing  unscathed  through  all  the  dangers  of  this  siege, 
Captain  Ridgely  was  destined  to  terminate  his  valued  life  by  a 
trifling  accident.  He  was  thrown  from  his  horse  on  the  25th  of 
September,  his  head  striking  against  a rock.  He  remained  insensible 
until  his  death,  September  27th.  His  funeral  at  Monterey  was  at- 
tended by  all  the  officers  of  the  army,  and  in  solemn  and  dignified 
pomp  as  well  as  in  size,  has  rarely  been  equalled. 

Ridgely  was  a scholar  as  well  as  soldier.  His  address  and 
manners  were  those  of  a perfect  gentleman  ; and  his  whole  person, 
though  small  and  delicate,  was  most  beautifully  moulded.  No  man 
was  ever  more  sincerely  lamented. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  BMGG. 


Lieutenant-Colonel  Braxton  Bragg  is  a native  of  North  Ca- 
rolina, and  entered  the  army  as  second  lieutenant,  July  1st,  1837. 
On  the  18th  of  June,  1846,  he  was  commissioned  as  captain  in  the 
3d  ^regiment  of  artillery. 

At  Monterey,  Captain  Bragg  highly  distinguished  himself  in  the 
severe  street-fights,  and  especially  in  the  attack  upon  the  cathedral 
and  main  plaza.  No  man  was  more  exposed  than  he,  and  few  bat- 
teries encountered  so  much  loss  as  his  own.  High  praise  was  be- 
stowed upon  him  by  all  the  superior  officers. 

Bragg  was  among  the  few  artillerymen  who  remained  with  Ge- 
neral Taylor  after  the  withdrawal  of  his  regular  troops ; and  there 
can  be  little  doubt  that  his  prompt  and  fearless  conduct  at  Buena  Vista 
saved  the  Americans  from  defeat.  On  him  General  Taylor  leaned, 
when  every  other  artillerist  had  retired ; and  he,  unassisted  by  any 
save  his  gallant  few,  and  the  general  himself,  hurled  back  the  thou- 
sands of  lancers  in  the  final  charge,  and  saved  the  infantry  from 
ruin.  The  following  is  an  extract  of  his  report  of  the  battle : — 

“ Finding,  when  I arrived,  that  the  attack  had  been  made  and  re- 
pulsed, I directed  my  attention  to  the  large  infantry  and  cavalry 
force  which  had  turned  our  left  flank  and  was  still  advancing.  At 
this  time  I saw  that  Lieutenant  Kilburn  had  joined  me  with  his 
gun.  He  had  been  actively  and  gallantly  engaged  in  my  vicinity 
daring  the  greater  part  of  the  day,  but  my  close  occupation  caused 
me  to  overlook  him.  Seeing  that  the  force  which  had  turned  us 
was  gradually  moving  along  the  foot  of  the  mountain  towards  Sal- 
tillo, and  was  only  held  in  check  by  Captain  Sherman,  with  one 
gun,  under  the  support  of  the  Mississippi  riflemen,  which  he  had 
daringly  advanced  against  at  least  four  thousand  of  the  enemy,  I 
put  my  battery  in  motion  towards  them,  and  sought  support  from 
22  (253) 


254  LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  BRAGG. 

scattered  parties  of  mounted  men  in  the  vicinity  of  the  train.  About 
fifty  followed  me.  By  the  time  I arrived  within  range  of  the  enemy 
— my  movement  being  very  slow,  owing  to  the  jaded  condition  of 
my  horses — I noticed  the  Mississippi  regiment  gallantly  led  against 
a force  immensely  superior.  Overwhelmed  by  numbers,  it  was  forced 
to  fall  back.  I am  happy  to  believe  that  my  rapid  and  well-directed 
fire,  opened  just  at  this  time,  held  the  enemy  in  check  until  Colonel 
Davis  could  gain  a position  and  assume  a stand.  Under  my  fire 
the  enemy  retired  some  hundred  yards,  and  I advanced  the  same 
distance,  and  again  came  into  action.  From  this  point  I several 
times  fell  back,  and  as  often  advanced,  regulating  my  movements  by 
those  of  the  enemy,  my  support  being  weak  and  uncertain.  The 
effect  of  my  fire  was  very  apparent,  frequently  throwing  whole 
columns  into  disorder.  Whilst  thus  engaged.  General  Wool  came 
up,  and,  at  my  request,  ordered  our  cavalry,  then  some  distance  to 
my  left,  to  move  to  my  support.  I at  once  approached  within 
canister  range,  and  felt  confident  I should  inflict  a loss  upon  the 
enemy  from  which  he  could  not  possibly  recover.  A white  flag, 
however,  rapidly  passed  me,  and  I ceased  my  fire.  The  enemy 
seized  the  opportunity,  availed  themselves  of  the  protection  of  our 
flag,  and  drew  ofT  beyond  the  range  of  our  guns.  , 

“ As  they  were  retiring  by  the  very  route  they  had  advanced,  1 
feared  they  would  avail  themselves  of  our  weakness  at  that  point, 
and  renew  the  attack,  regardless  of  our  flag.  I accordingly  reversed 
my  battery,  and  urged  my  horses  to  their  utmost.  They  were  so 
exhausted,  however,  that  a walk  was  all  that  could  be  forced  from 
them  by  both  whip  and  spur.  Several  deep  ravines  had  to  be  passed 
by  circuitous  routes  before  I could  reach  my  desired  position ; and, 
as  I feared,  before  I could  possibly  get  there,  an  awful  roar  of  mus- 
ketry commenced.  Knowing  the  importance  of  my  presence,  I 
left  some  of  my  heaviest  carriages,  caissons,  and  pushed  on  with 
such  as  could  move  most  rapidly.  Having  gained  a point  from 
which  my  guns  could  be  used,  I put  them  in  battery,  and  loaded 
with  canister.  Now,  for  the  first  time,  I felt  the  imminent  peril  in 
which  we  stood.  Our  infantry  was  routed,  our  advanced  artillery 
captured,  and  the  enemy  in  heavy  force  coming  upon  us  at  a run. 
Feeling  that  the  day  depended  upon  the  successful  stand  of  our 
artillery,  I appealed  to  the  commanding  general,  who  was  near,  for 
support.  None  was  to  be  had  ; and,  under  his  instructions  to  main- 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  BRAGG. 


255 


tain  our  position  at  ever}^  hazard,  I returned  to  my  battery,  encou- 
raged my  men,  and,  when  the  enemy  arrived  within  good  range, 
poured  forth  the  canister  as  rapidly  as  my  guns  could  be  loaded. 
At  the  first  discharge  I observed  the  enemy  falter,  and  in  a short 
time  he  was  in  full  retreat.  A very  heavy  loss  must  have  been 
sustained  by  him,  however,  before  he  got  beyond  our  range.  My 
guns  were  now  advanced  several  hundred  yards,  and  opened  on  a 
position  held  by  the  enemy,  with  a battery  of  heavier  calibre  than 
our  own — the  same  from  which  our  left  flank  had  been  driven  in 
the  forenoon.  Under  the  support  of  the  Mississippi  regiment,  I con- 
tinued my  fire,  until  convinced  that  nothing  could  be  effected — the 
enemy  holding  an  eminence  from  which  we  could  not  dislodge  him 
without  a sacrifice  which  might  compromise  the  success  of  the  day. 
I accordingly  withdrew  from  their  fire.” 

Since  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista,  two  attempts  have  been  made  to 
assassinate  this  brave  officer.  Of  one  of  these  he  gives  account  in 
a letter,  [dated  August  26th,  1847,]  from  which  the  following  is  ex- 
tracted : — 

u ^ ^ ^ attempt  was  made  about  two,  A.  M.,  night  be- 

fore last,  to  assassinate  me  in  my  bed.  I have  no  clue  to  the  per- 
petrator, and  can  suggest  no  reason  for  the  act.  My  escape  without 
injury  is  regarded  as  almost  miraculous.  As  exaggerated  accounts 
will  probably  reach  the  press,  the  truth  may  interest  you.  A twelve 
pound  shell,  heavily  charged,  was  placed  within  two  feet  of  my  bed, 
just  outside  of  my  tent,  and  exploded  by  a slow  match  ; the  frag- 
ments literally  riddling  my  tent  and  bedding,  pieces  passing  above 
and  below  me,  some  through  a blanket  spread  over  me,  and  yet  I 
was  not  touched.  I was  not  aware  that  I had  an  enemy  in  the 
world,  and  at  times  feel  disposed  to  believe  now  that  it  may  have 
been  intended  as  a practical  joke,  by  some  fool  ignorant  of  the  effect 
of  shells  thus  exploded.  Be  that  as  it  may,  my  escape  was  almost 
miraculous,  and  I prefer  not  repeating  the  joke.” 

No  satisfactory  explanation  of  the  motives  for  these  attempts  has 
ever  been  given. 


MAJOR  BLISS, 


ASSISTANT  ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 


Major  William  W.  S.  Bliss  is  a native  of  New  York.  He 
was  brevetted  second  lieutenant  of  the  4th  infantry,  July  1st,  1833, 
and  is  now  assistant  adjutant-general,  with  the  rank  of  major. 

Major  Bliss  has  acted  as  secretary  to  General  Taylor,  during  the 
whole  of  his  campaign  in  Mexico.  How  his  services  in  the  battle 
field  are  appreciated  by  that  great  commander,  the  following  notices 
from  his  official  despatches  will  show : 

Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma. — “ I derived  efficient  aid  on 
both  days,  from  all  the  officers  of  my  staff — Captain  Bliss,  assistant 
adjutant-general,”  (fee. 

Monterey. — “ From  the  officers  of  my  personal  staff,  I have  de- 
rived valuable  and  efficient  assistance  during  the  operations.  Major 
Bliss  served  near  my  person,  and  was  prompt  in  all  situations  in 
the  communications  of  my  orders  and  instructions.” 

The  same  expressions  of  satisfaction,  couched  in  nearly  the  same 
language,  are  used  in  the  report  of  Buena  Vista. 


MAJOR  EATON. 


Major  Joseph  H.  Eaton  entered  the  army  from  Massachusetts, 
his  native  state,  as  brevet  second  lieutenant,  July  1st,  1835.  On  the 
18th  of  June,  he  became  captain  in  the  3d  regiment  of  infantry,  and 
aid-de-camp  to  General  Taylor.  His  accomplishments  as  a scholar, 
and  bravery  as  a soldier,  have  rendered  his  services  in  the  highest 
degree  valuable  to  that  officer. 

(256) 


CAPTAIN  GARNETT. 


Captain  Robert  S.  Garnett  was  born  in  Virginia.  He  en- 
tered the  army  as  brevet  second  lieutenant,  on  the  1st  of  July,  1841 ; 
and  on  the  18th  of  August,  1846,  was  commissioned  as  first  lieu- 
tenant of  the  4th  artillery  regiment.  He  now  forms  one  of  the  staff 
of  General  Taylor,  and  has  proven  himself  worthy  the  trust  im- 
posed upon  him,  by  his  courage  on  the  battle-field,  his  promptness 
in  the  delivery  of  orders,  and  the  habitual  politeness  which  he  ex- 
ercises both  toward  officers  and  soldiers.  He  is  frequently  men- 
tioned by  the  general  in  terms  of  the  warmest  esteem. 


COLONEL  BELKNAP. 


Few  men  in  our  army  are  more  distinguished  for  personal  daring 
than  Colonel  Belknap.  In  battle,  every  thing  seems  to  bend  before 
his  furious  course.  In  the  temporary  absence  of  Captain  May, 
after  the  charge  at  Resaca  de  la  Palma,  he  rallied  the  regiment  in 
the  main  road,  seized  a standard,  and  rushed  upon  the  Tampico 
veterans.  The  fiag-staff  was  shot  away,  and  immediately  after  his 
horse  fell  dead,  throwing  its  rider.  The  intrepid  officer  escaped, 
however,  without  serious  injury. 

Colonel  William  G.  Belknap  was  born  in  New  York.  He  en- 
tered the  army  April  5th,  1813,  as  third  lieutenant  of  the  23d  infantry, 
and  has  risen  by  regular  gradation  to  his  present  rank.  He  fought 
with  great  bravery  at  Monterey  and  Buena  Vista. 

22^ 


(257) 


COLONEL  MUNROE. 

p - 


Colonel  John  Munroe  is  a native  of  Scotland,  but  emigrated  to 
this  country  in  early  life.  His  first  appointment  in  the  army  dates 
March  11th,  1814,  with  the  rank  of  third  lieutenant  of  the  1st  ar- 
tillery. On  the  15th  of  February,  1838,  he  was  brevetted  major 
of  the  2d  artillery  regiment,  and  on  the  18th  of  August,  1846, 
raised  to  the  rank  of  full  major.  He  has  acted  as  aid  to  General 
Taylor  during  his  campaign  in  Mexico,  and  won  the  esteem  of  both 
general  and  army.  - 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  MANSFIELD. 


Lieutenant-Colonel  Joseph  K.  F.  Mansfield  was  born  in 
Connecticut.  He  was  brevetted  second  lieutenant,  July  1st,  1822, 
captain,  July  Tth,  1838,  and  for  his  bravery  at  Fort  Brown,  brevet 
major.  May  9th,  1846.  During  the  bombardment  of  that  post,  he 
was  indefatigable  in  labour,  and  elicited  high  praise  from  Captain 
Hawkins.  In  General  Taylor’s  report  of  Monterey,  he  has  the  fol- 
lowing commendation : “ I must  express  my  particular  obligations 
to  Brevet  Major  Mansfield,  and  Lieutenant  Scarritt,  corps  of  engi- 
neers. They  both  rendered  most  important  services  in  reconnoitring 
the  enemy’s  positions,  conducting  troops  in  attack,  and  strengthen- 
ing the  works  captured  from  the  enemy.  Major  Mansfield,  though 
(258) 


CAPTAIN  RAMSAY. — CAPTAIN  SHERMAN.  259 

w aided  on  the  21st,  remained  on  duty  during  that  and  the  follow- 
ing day,  until  confined  by  his  wound  to  camp.” 

The  general  thus  mentions  him  among  others  in  his  account  of 
Buena  Vista : — 

“Major  Mansfield  was  employed  before  and  during  the  engage- 
ment in  making  reconnoissances,  and  on  the  field  was  very  active 
in  bringing  information  and  in  conveying  my  orders  to  different 
points.” 

After  the  battle  the  major  was  rewarded  with  the  rank  of  lieu- 
tenant-colonel,  which  he  still  holds. 


CAPTAIN  KAMSAY. 


Captain  George  D.  Ramsay  was  born  in  Virginia,  and  entered 
the  army  as  2d  lieutenant  of  light  artillery,  July  1st,  1820.  On  the 
25th  of  February,  1835,  he  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  Captain.  He 
joined  the  Army  of  Occupation  in  Texas,  and  has  rendered  valuable 
services  to  General  Taylor,  as  one  of  his  personal  staff.  Although 
deprived  by  the  nature  of  his  office  from  any  display  as  an  officer, 
yet  he  is  said  to  be  cool,  daring,  and  perfectly  collected  while  on  the 
battle-field. 


CAPTAIN  SHERMAN. 


Captain  Thomas  W.  Sherman  is  a native  of  Rhode  Island.  His 
first  appointment  as  2d  lieutenant  of  artillery  is  dated  July  1st,  1836. 
He  was  promoted  as  captain  May  28th,  1846. 


260 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WHITING. 


Captain  Sherman  has  rendered  himself  immortal  by  his  services 
at  Buena  Vista.  On  that  day  his  battery  was  incessantly  moving 
from  point  to  point,  wherever  danger  was  thickest.  During  the 
greater  part  of  the  action,  he,  in  company  with  Captain  Bragg, 
fought  directly  under  the  eye  of  the  commanding  general.  On  one 
occasion  he  stood  in  front  of  the  Mississippi  riflemen  with  only  on^ 
gun,  while  four  thousand  of  the  enemy  were  pouring  down  upoi 
him.  In  company  with  his  brother  officer,  he  held  six.  thousand 
lancers  at  bay,  until  the  American  infantry  had  crossed  a deep 
ravine,  and  advanced  to  share  the  battle.  On  another  occasion  he 
was  almost  surrounded  by  the  Mexicans,  until  supported  by  Colonel 
May.  General  Wool  thus  speaks  of  him  and  the  other  artillerists : — - 
“ I desire  to  express  my  high  admiration,'  and  to  ofler  my  warmest 
thanks  to  Captains  Washington,  Sherman  and  Bragg,  and  Lieute- 
nants O’Brien  and  Thomas,  and  their  batteries ; to  whose  services 
at  this  point,  and  on  every  other  part  of  the  field,  I think  it  but  jus- 
tice to  say,  we  are  mainly  indebted  for  the  great  victory  so  success- 
fully'achieved  by  our  arms  over  the  great  force  opposed  to  us. 
Without  our  artillery  we  could  not  have  maintained  our  position 
a single  hour.” 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  WHITING. 


Lieutenant-Colonel  Levi  Whiting  entered  the  army  from 
Massachusetts,  his  native  state,  as  2d  lieutenant  of  artillery,  Feb- 
ruary 10th,  1812.  FJe  served  with  honour  during  the  war  with 
England,  and  has  risen  by  regular  gradation  to  his  present  rank. 
He  now  forms  one  of  the  staff  of  General  Taylor,  filling  the  station 
of  quartermaster-general.  His  services  at  Monterey  and  Buena  Vista 
are  mentioned  with  the  highest  approbation. 


LIEUTENANT-COLONEL  DUNCAN. 


No  officer  was  more  distinguished  by  his  gallant  conduct  in  the 
battles  of  the  8th  and  9th  of  May,  than  Captain  Duncan.  His  bat- 
teries were  continually  in  one  wide  blaze  ; and  it  was  by  their  fire 
that  the  prairie  of  Palo  Alto  was  ignited.  He  marched  with  the  2d 
division  at  Monterey,  and  received  the  thanks  of  General  Worth  in 
public  orders.  In  January,  1847,  he  was  transferred  to  General 
Scott’s  army,  where  he  has  taken  a brilliant  part  in  all  operations 
from  the  capture  of  Vera  Cruz  to  the  fall  of  Mexico. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Duncan  is  a native  of  New  York.  He  was 
brevetted  2d  lieutenant  of  the  2d  artillery,  July  1st,  1834;  promoted 
to  a captaincy,  April  16th,  1846 ; and  brevetted  lieutenant-colonel 
for  his  services  at  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca  de  la  Palma. 


CAPTAIN  O’BRIEN. 


Captain  John  P.  J.  O’Brien  is  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
entered  the  army  in  1836.  On  the  18th  of  January,  1847,  he  was 
appointed  captain,  and  assigned  the  office  of  assistant-quartermaster. 
He  won  the  admiration  and  gratitude  of  his  country  at  Buena  YifAa, 
and  probably  saved  the  day.  He  thus  describes  his  efforts  during 
the  battle : — 


(261) 


262 


CAPTAIN  O’BRIEN. 


“ On  arriving  at  the  point  indicated,  I found  myself  within  musket 
range  of  about  three  thousand  Mexican  infantry,  while  their  battery, 
three  hundred  yards  on  my  left,  was  pouring  in  heavy  discharges 
of  grape  and  canister,  I opened  the  fire  against  the  infantry  and 
lancers  with  tremendous  effect.  Every  shot,  whether  canister  or 
shell,  seemed  to  tell.  The  enemy  wavered  and  fell  back.  I ad- 
vanced on  him  about  fifty  yards.  He  was  strongly  reinforced,  until, 
in  fact,  I found  his  main  body  pressing  on  me.  The  pieces  were 
admirably  served,  but  failed  any  longer  to  check  his  advance.  Every 
gap  in  the  Mexican  ranks  was  closed  as  soon  as  made.  On  looking 
round  at  this  moment,  I discovered  that  the  tremendous  cross-fire  of 
the  enemy  had  forced  the  regiment  ordered  to  my  support  to  fall 
back.  Deeming  it  useless  to  remain  alone,  and  sacrifice  my  pieces 
needlessly,  I waited  till  the  enemy  came  still  closer,  and  then  gave 
the  order  to  limber  up  and  retire.  I found  that  all  the  horses  and 
all  the  cannoneers  of  the  Mexican  four-pounders  were  either  killed 
or  disabled.  The  other  pieces  were  in  but  little  better  condition.  I 
succeeded,  however,  in  withdrawing  them,  and  retired  to  our  line. 

“ On  arriving  there,  I had  not  a cannoneer  to  w^ork  the  guns.  All 
had  been  disabled  or  killed.  Finding  it  impossible  to  replace  them, 
either  from  the  other  batteries  or  from  any  other  source,  I was  com- 
pelled to  return  to  your  battery,  which  was  guarding  the  pass  at  the 
foot  of  the  heights. 

“You  then  furnished  me  with  two  six-pounders,  with  which  I 
again  ascended  to  the  battle-ground.  I then  found  myself  opposed 
to  a strong  line  of  the  Mexican  infantry  and  cavalry,  and  to  one  of 
their  heavy  batteries.  I was  supported  by  a body  of  infantry,  posted 
in  two  ravines  on  my  right  and  left.  The  remainder  of  our  artillery 
and  infantry  were  engaged  with  the  enemy  about  half  a mile  or 
more  to  our  left.  We  kept  the  enemy  in  check,  while  our  troops 
on  the  left  drove  the  body  opposed  to  them  round  the  head  of  the 
ravine,  where  they  united  with  those  against  whom  I was  firing. 
At  this  moment,  I received  orders  to  push  my  section  forward.  I 
advanced,  and  again  opened  a heavy  fire.  The  enemy  was  strongly 
reinforced  by  infantry  and  lancers.  Finding  themselves  so  superior 
in  numbers  by  their  junction  with  this  reinforcement,  and  with  their 
troops  driven  from  our  left,  they  advanced.  The  position  of  things 
now  appeared  very  critical.  If  the  enemy  succeeded  in  forcing  our 
position  at  this  point,  the  day  was  their’s.  There  was  no  other  ar- 


CAPTAIN  o’bRIEN. 


263 


tillery  opposed  to  them  but  my  section  and  one  other  piece.  It  was 
all-important  to  maintain  our  ground  until  our  artillery  came  round 
the  ravine  from  the  plain  on  our  left  and  joined  us.  I therefore  de- 
termined to  hold  my  post  till  the  enemy  reached  the  muzzles  of  my 
guns.  The  firing  from  the  section  became  more  and  more  destruc- 
tive as  the  enemy  advanced.  It  repelled  a body  of  lancers  which 
was  about  charging  on  the  Illinois  regiment.  My  own  loss  was 
severe.  I had  had  two  horses  shot  under  me  ; the  one  I was  then 
on  was  wounded  and  limping.  I had  received  a wound  in  the  leg. 
All  my  cannoneers,  except  a few  recruits  who  had  joined  some  days 
before,  were  killed  or  disabled.  In  the  midst  of  this  heavy  fire,  with 
horses  and  men  dropping  around  them,  the  few  recruits  who  were  fit 
for  duty  lost  their  presence  of  mind  ; and  I found  it  impossible,  with 
all  my  efforts,  to  keep  them  to  their  guns.  I remained  with  the 
pieces  to  the  last,  until  the  enemy  came  within  a few  yards  of  them, 
when  I was  forced  to  retire  for  want  of  a single  cannoneer  to  load  or 
""fire.  I was,  however,  delighted  to  find  that  I had  maintained  my^ 
ground  sufficiently  long  to  cause  the  victory  to  be  secured ; for,  at 
this  moment,  the  rest  of  our  artillery  arrived,  and  came  into  action. 

“You  are,  sir,  well  avyare  that  it  is  often  the  duty  of  an  artillery 
officer  to  sacrifice  his  pieces  for  the  safety  of  other  troops.  Such 
was  my  position.  I could  have  saved  the  guns,  had  I withdrawn 
them  earlier;  but,  in  such  case,  the  day  might,  perhaps,  have  been 
lost.” 


COLONEL  CROGHAN. 


Colonel  George  Croghan  was  born  November  15th,  1791,  at 
Locust  Grove,  near  the  falls  of  the  Ohio,  Kentucky.  His  father 
served  under  Washington  in  the  revolutionary  war.  His  early  life 
was  spent  in  study ; and  in  1808  he  entered  William  and  Mary 
College.  On  the  4th  of  July,  1810,  he  graduated  as  bachelor  of 
arts,  with  distinguished  honours. 

When  General  Harrison  commenced  his  campaign  against  the 
Indians  in  the  north-west,  young  Croghan  entered  his  army  as  a 
volunteer,  and  was  appointed  one  of  the  general’s  aids.  As  such, 
he  assisted  at  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe,  where  he  won  admiration 
from  both  officers  and  men  by  his  coolness  and  gallantry.  In  con- 
sequence of  our  difficulties  with  England,  he  expressed  a desire  to 
join  the  army;  and  by  the  earnest  recommendation  of  Generals 
Boyd  and  Harrison,  he  was  appointed  [March  12th,  1812]  captain 
in  the  17th  infantry.  He  was  then  but  nineteen  years  old.  He 
commanded  for  a short  time  at  Fort  Defiance,  and  was  with  Har- 
rison during  the  attack  on  Fort  Meigs,  where  he  executed  several 
brilliant  charges  on  the  enemy  in  their  retreat.  He  was  rewarded 
by  a majority,  and  stationed  at  Fort  Stephenson,  with  orders  from 
General  Harrison  to  destroy  the  stores  and  abandon  the  fort  should 
the  enemy  appear.  Ascertaining  that  an  attack  was  intended,  he 
disobeyed  orders,  and  immortalized  his  name.  His  noble  deter- 
mination was  thus  expressed  in  a letter  to  a friend.  “ I expect  an 
attack.  I will  defend  this  post  to  the  last  extremity.  I have  just 
sent  away  the  women  and  children,  that  I may  be  able  to  act  with- 
out encumbrance.  Be  satisfied.  I hope  to  do  my  duty.  The  ex- 
ample set  me  by  my  revolutionary  kindred  is  before  me — let  me  die 
rather  than  prove  unworthy  of  their  name.”  He  continued  to  labour 
day  and  night  at  the  fort,  in  order  to  put  it  in  the  best  state  of  de- 


COLONEL  CROGIIAN. 


265 


fence.  His  garrison  consisted  of  but  one  hundred  and  thirty-three 
effective  men.  The  works  covered  one  acre  ; the  pickets  were  ten 
feet  high,  surrounded  by  a ditch,  with  a blockhouse  at  each  angle, 
one  of  which  contained  a six-pounder. 

On  the  1st  of  August,  General  Proctor,  with  five  hundred  regu- 
lars’and  seven  hundred  Indians,  appeared  before  the  fort  and  sur- 
rounded it.  He  then  sent  a summons  to  surrender,  stating,  that  in 
case  of  resistance,  the  whole  garrison  would  be  massacred.  Croghan 
replied,  that  he  was  willing  to  be  buried  with  the  fort,  but  not  to 
surrender.  At  the  reception  of  this  answer,  Proctor  immediately 
opened  his  fire.  The  assault  continued  during  that  and  part  of  the 
following  day,  and  consisted  of  a series  of  heavy  cannonadings,  and 
rapid  charges.  To  counteract  the  first,  the  major  placed  bags  of 
flour,  sand,  &c.,  so  that  the  picketings  sustained  no  injury.  Five 
hundred  men  then  advanced  to  storm  the  works.  They  were 
severely  galled  by  small  arms,  until  they  reached  the  ditch,  when 
the  six-pounder,  doubly  charged  with  balls  and  slugs,  and  which 
had  hitherto  been  masked,  opened  upon  them,  raking  the  ditch  from 
end  to  end,  and  sweeping  down  all  in  it,  except  eleven.  The  officers 
endeavoured  to  rally  the  remainder  of  the  column,  but  it  retired  in 
disorder  to  a neighbouring  wood,  leaving  behind  one  hundred  and 
fifty  regulars  killed,  and  a number  of  allies.  The  American  loss 
was  one  killed,  seven  slightly  wounded. 

For  this  brilliant  affair,  Croghan  was  raised  to  the  rank  of  lieu- 
tenant-colonel, in  which  capacity  he  served  during  the  remainder 
of  the  war. 

Colonel  Croghan  resigned  his  commission  in  the  army  March 
31st,  1817.  In  May  of  the  same  year,  he  was  married  to  a daugh- 
ter of  John  R.  Livingston,  Esq.,  of  New  York.  On  the  21st  of 
December,  1825,  he  was  appointed  colonel  and  inspector-general  in 
the  regular  army,  in  which  capacity  he  serves  in  the  Mexican  war. 
General  Taylor  mentions  him,  in  a very  flattering  manner,  for  his 
conduct  at  Monterey. 

After  the  fall  of  Monterey,  Colonel  Croghan  was  ordered  to  the 
United  States,  to  attend  to  some  duties  connected  with  his  office  in 
the  army. 


CAPTAIN  LINCOLN. 


We  cannot  close  the  series  of  General  Taylor’s  officers  more  ap- 
propriately, than  by  a notice  of  him  of  whom  the  general  himself 
says: — “We  have  to  lament  the  death  of  Captain  George  Lincoln, 
Assistant  Adjutant-General,  serving  in  the  staff  of  General  Wool — a 
young  officer  of  high  bearing  and  approved  gallantry,  who  fell  early 
in  the  action.” 

When  the  news  of  his  death  was  received  at  Massachusetts,  his 
native  state,  it  caused  the  deepest  sensation.  Being  son  of  the  ex- 
governor, and  a gentleman  of  the  highest  promise,  thousands  knew 
his  worth  and  mourned  his  loss.  His  remains  were  afterwards 
transported  to  Boston  by  the  Kentucky  volunteers,  and  attended  to 
their  resting-place  with  great  honour.  A letter  dated  Boston, 
July,  1847,  gives  account  of  the  interesting  ceremony,  of  which  the 
following  is  the  substance  : — 

“Captain  George  Lincoln, assistant  adjutant-general  U.  S.  Army, 
who  fell  mortally  wounded  at  Buena  Vista,  arrived  here  in — a box, 
six  feet  by  two.  His  body  was  received  a few  days  ago  from  New 
Orleans,  by  sea,  and  deposited  in  the  vault  of  the  old  stone  chapel, 
on  School  street.  Last  Thursday  morning  the  remains  of  the  gallant 
soldier  were  taken  from  the  vault  at  nine  o’clock,  in  a splendid 
black  walnut  coffin,  over  which  hung  the  American  flag,  and  on  the 
coffin  lay  two  swords  — one,-alas ! the  present,  but  a few  months 
ago,  from  his  fellow-townsmen  of  Worcester.  On  a neat  silver 
plate,  upon  the  coffin,  was  engraved : 

GEORGE  LINCOLN, 

Captain  Sth  Regiment  Infantry,  U,  S.  A,, 

FELL  AT  BUENA  VISTA,  MEXICO,  FEB.  23d,  1847, 

AGED  TWENTY-NINE  YEARS. 

“A  grand  and  imposing  military  escort  were  present,  to  whom 
our  worthy  mayor,  Josiah  Gluincy,  Jr.,  presented  the  coffin  and  body, 
with  the  following  brief  address,  which  embodies  nearly  all  the  par- 
ticulars known  of  his  history . 


(266) 


CAPTAIN  LINCOLN. 


267 


^ * Fellow  Citizens : — This  solemn  meeting  arises  from  a general 
desire  and  willingness  on  the  part  of  the  citizens  of  Boston  to  pay 
the  last  tribute  of  respect  and  honour  to  the  remains  of  one  of  the 
gallant  sons  of  the  Bay  State,  Captain  George  Lincoln,  late  an  officer 
in  the  United  States’  army,  and  who,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his 
military  calling,  lost  his  life  on  the  battle-field  of  Buena  Vista.  He 
was  immediately  associated,  before  and  during  the  action,  with  the 
second  regiment  of  Kentucky  volunteers.  When  their  time  of  ser- 
vice had  expired,  and  they  were  about  returning  home,  the  remem- 
brance of  the  soldier  who  had  shared  with  them  the  privations  of 
^ the  camp  and  the  dangers  of  the  field,  would  not  permit  them  to 
suffer  his  remains  to  slumber  for  ever  in  a foreign  soil.  These  chi- 
valrous sons  of  Kentucky  caused  the  remains  of  Captain  Lincoln  to 
be  transmitted  to  New  Orleans,  and  thence  to  me,  as  chief-magistrate 
of  the  capital  of  our  state  ; and  as  such  I received  them,  believing 
that  whatever  may  be  the  opinions  of  my  fellow-citizens  concerning 
the  war,  there  is  an  undivided  feeling  of  respect  for  this  gallant  man, 
who  fell  at  his  post  in  the  front  ranks  of  his  country’s  army.  It  is 
my  painful  duty  to  transmit  these  remains  to  the  presence  of  his 
honoured  father,  his  loving  mother,  his  affectionate  wife,  and  his 
orphan  child.  Their  feelings  may  not  be  described,  but  their  sor- 
rows may  be  alleviated  by  the  sympathies  of  the  public.  To  you, 
Mr.  Commander,  (Captain  Edmunds,)  I commit  the  body  for  safe 
conveyance  and  the  funeral  rites,  to  their  last  resting-place  in  the 
heart  of  the  Commonwealth,  the  beautiful  village  of  his  birth  (Wor- 
cester). And  when  some  future  historian  shall  note  the  names  and 
deeds  of  the  thousand  sons  of  Massachusetts,  who  fell  in  the  hot 
conflict  of  the  battle-field,  may  he  truly  say,  that  he  whose  remains 
lie  before  us,  was  her  last  sacrifice,  falling  in  the  last  war  in  which 
our  beloved  country  was  ever  engaged !’ 

“The  body  was  taken  by  the  military  escort  and  citizens,  who 
turned  out  by  thousands,  and  the  procession  moved  towards  the 
Worcester  Depot.  The  most  prominent  feature  in  the  procession 
was  the  tall,  light  gray,  bony-looking  horse  rode  by  Captain  Lincoln 
in  the  field,  at  Buena  Vista.  He  was  arrayed  in  the  same  equip- 
ments worn  while  under  his  gallant  master,  looked  as  though  he  had 
seen  some  hard  service,  and  was  the  observed  of  all  observers.  The 
escort,  and  such  citizens,  &c.,  as  desired,  took  the  cars  and  proceed- 
ed to  the  last  home  of  the  honoured  dead.” 

N 


MAJOR-GENERAL  GAINES. 


Brevet  Major-General  Edmund  P.  Gaines  is  one  of  the  oldest 
officers  in  the  American  army,  his  first  commission  as  ensign  of  in- 
fantry bearing  date  January  10th,  1799.  He  is  a native  of  Vir- 
ginia, and  his  father  was  an  officer  in  the  army  of  that  state  during 
the  revolutionary  war.  About  the  year  1790,  he  removed  to  Ten- 
nessee, where  his  early  days  were  passed  amid  the  hardships  of  a 
woodman’s  life.  During  this  time,  his  education  was  superintend- 
ed principally  by  his  mother,  who  was  indefatigable  in  her  atten- 
tion to  this  particular.  He  afterwards  studied  mathematics,  and 
employed  his  leisure  hours  in  surveying  land. 

The  date  of  his  entering  the  army  has  already  been  given. 
During  the  same  year  he  was  appointed  as  second  lieutenant  in  the 
6th  infantry.  From  this  period,  until  1806,  he  was  employed  by 
government  in  various  duties,  both  as  surveyor  and  an  officer  in  the 
army.  In  this  year,  by  order  of  the  president,  he  arrested  the 
famous  Colonel  Burr,  whose  movements  had  long  countenanced  the 
opinion  that  he  entertained  treasonable  designs  against  the  govern- 
ment. 

For  his  fearless  promptitude  in  this  .affair.  Captain  Gaines  was 
appointed  United  States’  marshal,  by  President  Jefferson,  and  in 
this  capacity  summoned  a number  of  officers  to  attend  the  trial  of 
Colonel  Burr.  The  result  of  this  momentous  trial  is  well  known  ; 
Burr  was  acquitted  of  the  charges  preferred  against  him,  and  many 
individuals  incurred  the  animosity  of  his  friends  by  the  course  they 
had  pursued.  Although  Captain  Gaines  acted  under  direct  orders  from 
the  president,  there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  a portion  of  this 
disapprobation  fell  upon  him. 

After  the  war  had  been  declared  with  Great  Britain,  Gaines  (now 
advanced  to  colonel)  was  employed  in  different  expeditions  against 
the  north-western  Indians.  He  was  afterwards  present  at  the  battle 
(268) 


MAJOR-GENERAL  GAINES. 


269 


of  Chrystler’s  Fields,  (November  11th,  1813,)  where  he  so  highly 
distinguished  himself  as  to  be  rewarded  by  the  appointment  [March 
9th,  1816]  of  brigadier-general. 

But  the  most  brilliant  action  of  General  Gaines  was  his  defence 
of  Fort  Erie,  against  a vastly  superior  force  of  British  under  Gene- 
ral Drummond.  The  attack  commenced  on  the  night  of  the  14th 
of  August,  1814,  by  volleys  of  shell  and  shot,  followed  soon 
after  by  three  simultaneous  charges  with  the  bayonet.  Although 
the  darkness  was  intense,  the  general  kept  his  men  to  duty,  and 
placing  himself  among  the  militia,  show^ed  them  how  to  use  their 
fire  to  the  best  effect.  Before  the  wide  blasts  that  burst  from  the 
fort  in  all  directions  the  British  columns  recoiled.  Again  and  again 
they  were  led  to  the  attack,  and  as  often  repulsed,  with  fearful 
slaughter.  Five  hundred  and  eight3^-two  of  the  enemy  were  killed, 
wounded,  and  taken  in  this  assault ; while  the  garrison  lost  but 
seventeen  killed,  and  sixty-seven  wounded  and  prisoners. 

After  this  defence,  the  British  commenced  a bombardment  of  the 
fort,  which  was  continued  until  the  latter  end  of  August.  They 
then  invested  it  with  their  entire  army,  maintaining  a close  siege 
until  the  sortie  of  General  Brown,  (September  17th,)  by  which  the 
greater  part  of  their  works  was  destroyed. 

For  this  noble  defence.  General  Gaines  was  voted  a gold  medal 
by  congress,  and  swords  by  the  legislatures  of  several  states.  No 
further  opportunity  of  distinction  was  afforded  him  during  the  war. 

During  the  difficulties  with  the  Spanish  and  Indians  in  Florida, 
General  Gaines  was  assigned  the  command  in  the  western  portion 
of  that  province ; but  the  nature  of  his  instructions  did  not  permit 
him  to  engage  in  active  service.  He  accompanied  General  Jackson 
in  his  march  toward  St.  Augustine,  and  in  obedience  to  instructions 
bombarded  that  place  until  it  surrendered. 

In  1821,  General  Gaines  was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the 
western  military  department ; and  in  1832,  was  concerned  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war.  When  the  Seminoles  commenced  hostilities  he 
was  again  ordered  to  Florida,  and  though  unable  to  bring  the  In- 
dians to  a decisive  engagement,  he  performed  there  duties  arduous 
and  useful. 

When  General  Taylor  was  surrounded  by  the  Mexicans,  at  Fort 
Brown,  General  Gaines,  fearing  that  he  might  be  cut  off  with  his 
little  army,  called  out  a large  force  of  volunteers.  For  this  he  was 
23^ 


270 


MAJOR-GENERAL  GAINES. 


accused  of  exceeding  authority,  and  sumnaoned  to  Washington  for 
trial.  A court  of  inquiry  met  at  Fortress  Monroe,  July  20th,  1846, 
and  a thorough  investigation  took  place.  The  result  was  the  finding 
of  no  direct  authority  for  the  course  pursued  by  the  general,  except  an 
honest  conviction  that  he  was  acting  in  accordance  with  the  dictates 
of  duty.  Appended  to  their  verdict  was  the  following  recommen- 
dation : — - 

“ Having  now  reported  their  finding  and  opinion,  the  court  re- 
commend to  the  favourable  consideration  of  the  president,  the  good 
and  patriotic  motives,  and  the  public  zeal  by  which,  as  the  court 
believe.  General  Gaines  w^as  actuated  in  all  these  transactions,  and 
therefore  they  recommend  that  no  further  proceedings  be  had  in  this 
case.” 

The  matter  was  accordingly  dropped,  and  General  Gaines  re- 
stored to  that  confidence  which  the  public  have  been  ever  proud  to 
repose  in  him. 


COLONEL  JEFFERSON  DAVIS. 


After  the  opening  of  the  Mexican  war  on  the  plains  of  Texas, 
General  Taylor  made  large  demands  to  the  governors  of  several 
states  for  reinforcements,  to  carry  on  the  campaign.  His  call  was 
promptly  met,  and  more  than  ten  thousand  men  were  mustered  into 
service,  and  sent  to  the  seat  of  war.  The  Mississippi  volunteers, 
under  Colonel  Jefferson  Davis,  marched  with  General  Quitman’s 
brigade,  joined  the  Army  of  Occupation  during  the  summer  of  1846, 
and  proceeded  with  it  to  Monterey. 

During  the  three  days’  battle  before  the  city.  Colonel  Davis  won 
the  highest  applause  by  his  fearlessness,  both  within  the  walls  and 
while  employed  to  repel  the  charges  of  cavalry.  His  riflemen  were 
frequently  in  the  thickest  battle,  between  cross-fires,  and  exposed  to 
the  full  action  of  the  enemy’s  lancers.  He  was  appointed  by  General 
Taylor  one  of  the  commissioners  to  negotiate  a capitulation,  and 
subsequently  became  one  of  the  warmest  defenders  of  that  measure. 
His  fame  as  a soldier  and  leader  is  based  upon  his  operations  at 
Monterey. 

The  battle  of  Buena  Vista  was  one  in  which  each  officer  sustained 
at  intervals  the  fortune  of  the  day.  This  was  the  case  with  Colonel 
Davis,  after  the  retirement  of  the  2d  Indiana  regiment.  The  Mexi- 
can cavalry,  elated  by  their  success,  rushed  down  in  heavy  columns, 
with  shouts  that  rang  above  the  din  of  battle,  and  in  a direction 
which  would  bring  them  in  contact  with  the  Mississippians.  Un- 
daunted, however,  by  the  formidable  array,  the  colonel  threw  his 
command  into  the  form  of  a V,  with  the  opening  toward  the  enemy, 


(271) 


272 


COLONEL  DAVIS. 


and  firmly  awaited  their  approach.  They  rushed  on  in  full  gallop ; 
but  when  near  enough  to  render  their  features  discernible,  a sheet 
of  fire  was  poured  into  their  dense  ranks,  which  mowed  down  horse 
and  rider,  in  promiscuous  slaughter.  They  rallied,  and  renewed 
the  charge ; but  were  driven  back  again  and  again,  until  perse- 
verance became  madness.  Had  the  enemy  conquered  in  that  charge, 
Santa  Anna  would  have  been  the  hero  of  Angostura.  But,  struck 
with  dismay,  his  lacerated  columns  heaved  back,  and  in  mad  con- 
fusion horse  trod  down  horse,  crushing  wounded  and  dying  beneath 
their  hoofs,  in  the  reckless  rushings  of  retreat.  It  was  a horrible 
moment ; and  when  the  pageant  had  passed  away,  heaps  of  muti- 
lated beings  were  stretched  along  the  ground,  writhing  in  the  ex- 
tremity of  agony.  Those  who  only  a moment  before  had  been 
strong  in  life  and  hope,  were  now  torn  and  trampled  into  the  earth, 
while  the  blood  was  pouring  from  their  wounds,  and  the  heart  hur- 
rying on  to  its  last  shock. 

Colonel  Davis  is  now  at  Washington,  occupying  his  station  as  a 
member  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


CAPTAIN  HENRIE. 


The  name  of  Captain  ^ Dan  Henrie”  is  associated  with  most  of 
the  thrilling  scenes  in  the  struggle  for  Texan  freedom.  During  the 
whole  of  that  eventful  revolution,  he  performed  deeds  of  daring  and 
romantic  incident,  which  rendered  him  conspicuous  even  among 
the  hardy  characters  of  that  period. 

At  the  opening  of  the  present  war,  he  hurried  to  Mexico,  to  gra- 
tify at  once  both  his  fondness  for  action  and  his  hatred  to  his  former 
enemy.  At  first  he  seems  to  have  joined  the  army  as  an  adven- 
turer, but  afterwards  was  with  the  column  of  General  Wool  on  its 
arrival  at  Agua  Nueva. 

Captain  Henrie  was  with  the  scouting-party  of  Majors  Gaines 
and  Borland  at  the  time  of  its  capture  by  the  Mexicans.  It  was 
composed  of  three  companies  of  the  Kentucky  and  Arkansas  cavalry, 
and  numbered  about  seventy.  At  a considerable  distance  from 
camp,  they  were  surrounded  by  about  two  thousand  horsemen,  un- 
der General  Minon,  and  induced  to  surrender,  on  promise  of  being 
treated  as  prisoners  of  war.  The  whole  party  were  then  conducted 
under  a strong  escort  toward  the  city  of  Mexico.  One  officer,  how- 
ever, escaped — he  was  Captain  Henrie. 

His  escape  affords  one  of  those  daring  incidents  of  war,  so  par- 
ticularly fitted  to  the  genius  of  the  American  character. 

He  was  very  anxious  for  a fight,  and,  with  Captain  Cassius  M. 
Clay,  strongly  dissuaded  Major  Gaines  from  surrendering.  He 
told  the  men  to  count  their  bullets,  and  if  they  hacl  one  for  every  two 
Mexicans,  it  was  a fair  game,  and  he  would  go  it.  He  also  cau 
tioned  them  to  hit  the  Mexicans  below  their  beards,  that  they  might 
frighten  off  the  others  by  their  groans,  and  to  give  them  as  much 
misery  as  possible.  One  of  the  Mexican  officers,  recognizing  him, 

(•273) 


274 


CAPTAIN  HENRIE. 


cried  out  in  Spanish,  “ I shall  have  the  pleasure  of  your  company 
to  the  city  of  Mexico,  Captain  Henrie !”  “Excuse  me,  senor,  I 
generally  choose  my  own  company;”  replied  the  cool  and  courtly 
captain. 

It  was  the  second  day  after  their  capture,  and  near  the  town  of 
Salado,  famous  in  Texan  history  as  the  place  of  the  decimation  of 
the  Mier  prisoners,  that  Major  Gaines’s  high-spirited  mare  showing 
considerable  restlessness,  the  major  requested  Captain  Henrie,  who 
is  a famous  rider  of  the  Jack  Hays  school,  to  “ mount  her  and  take 
off  the  wire-edge  of  her  spirit.”  The  captain  did  so,  and  riding  up 
to  Captain  Clay,  carelessly  remarked,  “ Clay,  I am  going  to  make 
a burst.”  The  Mexican  commander,  half  suspecting  his  design, 
placed  additional  forces  at  the  head  and  rear  of  the  column  of  lancers 
within  which  the  prisoners  were  placed,  and  rode  himself  by  the 
side  of  Henrie,  who  would  pace  up  and  down  the  line,  cracking 
jokes  with  the  boys,  and  firing  up  the  spirit  of  the  mare  by  various 
ingenious  manosuvres.  At  last,  Henrie,  seeing  a favourable  oppor- 
tunity, plunged  his  spurs  deep  into  the  sides  of  the  noble  blood,  and 
rushing  against  and  knocking  down  three  or  four  of  the  mustangs 
with  their  lancers,  started  off  in  full  view  of  the  whole  party,  at  a 
rate  of  speed  equal  to  the  best  time  that  Boston  or  Fashion  ever 
made.  After  him  rushed  a dozen  well-mounted  lancers,  who,  firing 
their  escopetas  at  him,  started  off  in  close  pursuit.  But  it  was  no 
race  at  all  — the  Kentucky  blood  was  too  much  for  the  mustang. 
The  lancers  were  soon  distanced,  and  the  last  view  they  got  of 
Henrie,  he  was  flying  up  a steep  mountain,  waving  his  white  hand- 
kerchief, and  crying  out  in  a voice  which  echoed  afar  off  through 
the  valley,  “Adios,  senores — adios,  senores  !” 

The  prisoners,  forgetting  their  situation,  gave  three  loud  cheers 
as  they  saw  the  gallant  Henrie  leaving  his  pursuers  far  behind,  and 
^safely  placed  beyond  their  reach.  The  subsequent  adventures  and 
sufferings  of  Henrie  are  well-known.  After  many  narrow  escapes 
from  the  enemy  and  starvation,  and  after  losing  his  noble  mare,  he 
arrived  safely  at  camp,  and  gave  the  first  authentic  intelligence  of 
the  capture  of  Majors  Gaines  and  Borland’s  party. 


GENERAL  TAYLOR’S 


RECEPTION  AT  NEW  ORLEANS. 


The  following  is  a full  description  of  the  late  reception  of  General 
Taylor  at  New  Orleans,  the  first  place  at  which  he  arrived  in  his 
journey  homeward  : 

On  the  8d  of  December,  agreeably  to  previous  arrangements,  the 
steamship  Mary  Kingsland  was  despatched  at  nine  o’clock  in  the 
morning,  with  the  committee  of  the  Municipal  Councils,  to  conduct 
the  general  to  the  city. 

About  half  an  hour  later  a number  of  steamers,  many  of  them 
tastefully  decorated,  and  filled  with  passengers,’  darted  forth  from 
the  wharves  of  the  First  and  Second  Municipalities,  and  proceeded 
down  the  river  for  the  purpose  of  uniting  in  the  triumphal  progress 
of  the  hero.  As  they  passed  the  barracks  their  cannon  gave  forth 
a joyous  welcome.  They  then  gracefully  rounded  to,  the  majestic 
Missouri  leading  in  the  van.  The  decks  of  this  noble  boat,  so  often 
compared  to  a floating  palace,  were  thronged  with  ladies  and  gentle- 
men, to  the  number  of  at  least  three  hundred,  all  eager  to  greet  the 
valiant  chieftain  with  “ a welcome  home.” 

Running  close  aboard  the  Kingsland,  at  the  landing,  the  Missouri 
threw  our  her  lines,  and  enabled  her  passengers  to  exchange  salu- 
tations for  a few  moments  with  the  war-worn  veteran.  He  was 
standing  on  one  of  the  guards  of  the  Kingsland,  and  with  his  stalwart 
form  distinguished  from  all  others,  his  firm,  erect,  and  military  posi- 
tion, his  head  uncovered,  and  his  grey  hairs  streaming  in  the  wind, 
he  looked,  indeed,  like  a conquering  hero  of  the  olden  time.  The 
cheers  that  greeted  him  could  have  been  heard  in  the  distant  forest, 
while  the  waving  handkerchiefs  and  glancing  smiles  of  nearly  a»i 

(275) 


276 


RECEPTION  OF  TAYLOR 


hundred  ladies,  testified  the  sincerity  with  which  they  joined  in  the 
admiration  that  heroism  and  bravery  have  ever  won  from  those 
whose  smiles  the  soldier  deems  his  best  reward. 

The  Kingsland  then  got  under  weigh,  and  led  the  procession  to 
the  city.  A dozen  steamboats  and  the  noble  packet-ship  America, 
towering  above  the  fleet,  and  adorned  with  variegated  flags  — th^ 
moving  panorama  of  the  shores  lined  with  vessels  that  were  crowded 
from  the  deck  to  the  mast-head,  and  decorated  with  banners  of 
every  nation  mingling  with  the  stars  and  stripes — the  smoke  of  the 
thundering  cannon  and  the  masses  of  the  cheering  populace  — all 
combined  to  present  a scene  of  unique  and  striking  splendour.  A 
rainbow  broke  into  fragments  and  scattered  over  the  sparkling 
waters,  might  have  appeared  tame  in  comparison. 

After  running  the  whole  length  of  the  city,  and  receiving  a cor- 
dial greeting  from  the  assembled  population  of  Lafayette,  at  its  land- 
ing, the  Kingsland  returned  and  rounded  to  at  the  Place  d’Armes. 

The  whole  of  the  Place  d’Armes  and  the  vicinity  appeared  like 
a perfect  sea  of  heads.  The  grand  triumphal  arch,  erected  in  the 
centre,  reflected  great  credit  on  the  parties  who  designed  and  exe- 
cuted it.  The  name  of  the  hero  and  his  various  victories  were  dis- 
played upon  it,  in  large  gilded  letters,  and  the  frame  of  the  arch 
was  completely  covered  with  evergreens,  the  whole  forming  a most 
beautiful  and  finished  production. 

A grand  salute  of  one  hundred  guns  from  each  Municipality, 
announced  his  landing  and  reception  by  the  Mayor  and  civil  autho- 
rities in  the  Place  d’Armes,  where  the  Mayor  made  him  the  follow- 
ing address : 

General:  In  behalf  of  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  which  I have 
the  honour  to  represent  on  this  occasion,  it  is  my  pleasing  office  to 
welcome  your  happy  return  to  your  country  and  your  home ; and 
in  behalf  of  the  Municipal  Councils,  I tender  to  you  the  hospitality 
of  this  city,  whilst  it  is  your  pleasure  to  remain  among  us. 

No  circumstance  could  have  filled  our  hearts  with  more  joy  than 
we  now  feel  in  having  the  opportunity  to  express  to  you  our  grati- 
tude for  the  distinguished  services  you  have  rendered  our  countr}^ 
The  brilliant  achievements  performed  in  Mexico  by  the  fearless  and 
daring  band  that  you  have  led  from  victory  to  victory,  have  inspired 
us  with  feelings  which  no  language  is  sufficiently  powerful  to  con- 
vey. For  such  achievements.  General,  every  true  American  heart, 


AT  NEW  ORLEANS. 


277 


from  one  extremity  to  the  other  of  this  republic,  is  filled  with  grati- 
tude and  admiration.  Wherever  you  direct  your  steps,  upon  any 
spot  where  the  star-spangled  banner  triumphantly  expands  its  folds 
to  the  breeze,  you  will  find  a nation’s  love  to  greet  you — you  wifi 
bear  a whole  people’s  spontaneous  applause  to  extol  the  splendour 
of  your  deeds,  which  your  modesty  would  in  vain  endeavour  to 
weaken  in  your  own  eyes. 

Again,  General,  I bid  you  a hearty  welcome,  in  the  name  of  all 
the  citizens  of  New  Orleans. 

The  general  was  evidently  and  deeply  affected  by  his  reception, 
but  promptly  made  the  following  reply,  with  much  feeling : 

Mr,  Mayor : The  welcome  which  I meet  this  day,  from  the  peo- 
ple of  New  Orleans,  announced  by  you,  their  honoured  representa- 
tive, overwhelms  me  with  feelings  which  no  words  can  express. 

You  have  been  pleased  to  qualify,  with  terms  of  the  highest  ap- 
probation, the  services  of  the  army  which  I have  had  the  honour  to 
command  in  Mexico.  Could  those  brave  officers  and  soldiers,  whose 
gallantry  achieved  the  successes  to  which  you  refer,  be  present  on 
this  occasion,  and  witness  the  grand  outpourings  of  gratitude  which 
their  devotion  has  elicited,  the  measure  of  my  satisfaction  would  be 
complete.  For  them  and  myself,  I thank,  from  my  heart,  the  peo- 
ple of  New  Orleans,  and  accept,  Mr.  Mayor,  the  offer  of  their  hos- 
pitality. 

The  general  then  proceeded  to  the  cathedral,  where  Te  Deum 
was  sung,  and  Bishop  Blanc  made  him  a short,  but  very  neat  ad- 
dress, in  which  he  complimented  *him  and  his  army  for  their  skill 
and  valour  in  battle,  and  still  more  for  their  humanity,  moderation, 
and  forbearance  in  victory,  with  a very  appropriate  allusion  to  the 
protection  and  care  of  Providence,  under  the  various  trying  circum- 
stances in  which  he  had  been  placed ; to  which  address,  General 
Taylor  made  a very  excellent  and  feeling  reply. 

After  the  ceremonies  in  the  cathedral  were  concluded,  the  pro- 
cession was  formed,  and  made  a most  imposing  display,  both  of  the 
various  civic  and  military  bodies ; and  afier  proceeding  through  the 
whole  of  the  route  designated  in  the  programme,  halted  at  the  St. 
Charles,  where  General  Taylor  alighted,  and  accompanied  by  his 
honour  the  Mayor,  and  other  of  the  civil  authorities,  took  his  sta- 
tion between  the  pillars  of  the  grand  colonnade,  when  the  whole 
procession  passed  before  and  below  him,  and  then  separated. 

24 


278 


RECEPTION  OF  TAYLOR 


The  whole  of  the  colonnade,  the  pavement  below,  the  street  in 
front,  the  windows  of  the  St.  Charles,  the  doors  of  all  the  buildings 
near,  the  large  galleries  of  the  verandah,  and  the  neighbouring 
streets,  presented  one  mass  of  human  beings ; so  dense  was  the 
crowd,  that  the  procession  was  frequently  brought  to  a complete 
pause  by  the  pressure  and  inability  to  proceed.  The  cheering  was 
loud  and  incessant,  and  there  seemed  no  bounds  to  the  delight  and 
enthusiasm  of  the  congregated  multitude. 

At  length  the  procession  had  passed,  and  as  the  general  turned  to 
enter  the  hotel,  the  long,  loud,  and  continued  cheer,  made  the  very 
welkin  ring. 

The  general  retired  to.  his  private  parlour,  where  a crowd  of 
friends  and  citizens  paid  their  respects  to  him  until  about  seven 
o’clock,  when  he  was  conducted  to  the  grand  banqueting  hall  of  the 
St.  Charles,  where,  with  a company  of  about  two  hundred  and  fifty 
guests,  he  sat  down  to  the  splendid  dinner  given  to  him  by  the  city 
authorities.  Every  thing  connected  with  the  feast  was  arranged 
with  taste,  splendour,  and  profusion,  for  which  Messrs.  Mudge  and 
Wilson  are  so  justly  celebrated. 

The  centre  of  a small  cross  table  at  the  head  of  the  centre  one, 
was  occupied  by  his  Honour,  the  Mayor,  with  General  Taylor  on 
his  right,  and  his  Excellency,  Governor  Johnston,  on  his  left,  and 
that  veteran  distinguished  officer.  Colonel  Belknap,  occupying  one 
end  of  it,  and  Major-General  Lewis  the  other.  Recorder  Baldwin 
was  at  the  head  of  one  of  the  long  side  tables,  and  acting  Recorder 
Barthe  at  the  head  of  the  other. 

The  following  were  the  regular  toasts  which  were  announced  by 
the  Mayor,  and  all  drank  with  due  honour  to  each  : — 

1.  The  President  of  the  United  States. — ^Music,  Hail  Columbia. 

' 2.  Our  Country — May  she  always  be  right ; but,  right  or  wrong 
our  Country. — Music,  Star-Spangled  Banner, 

3.  Major-General  Zachary  Taylor. — Music,  Hail  to  the  Chief. 

4.  The  Army  of  the  United  States. — Music,  Washington'^  s March. 

5.  The  Navy  of  the  United  States. — Music,  Yankee  Doodle. 

6.  The  Governor  of  Louisiana. — Music,  Jackson's  March. 

7.  Major-General  Scott. — Music,  General  Scott's  March. 

8.  The  Hero  of  Contreras — Louisiana’s  favourite  son — General 
Persifor  F.  Smith. — Music,  Go  where  Glory  waits  thee. 

9.  The  Memory  of  Washington. — Music,  Dead  March  in  Saul. 


AT  NEW  ORLEANS. 


279 


10.  The  Heroes  of  the  Revolution. — Music,  Jluld  Lang  §yne. 

11.  The  Memory  of  General  Jackson. — Music,  Marseilles  Hymn. 

12.  The  Memory  of  the  Gallant  Officers  and  Soldiers  who  have 
fallen  in  the  War  with  Mexico. — Music,  Rosslyn  Castle. 

13.  The  Ladies. — Music,  Home,  Sweet  Home. 

When  the  third  toast  was  given,  we  verily  thought  the  ceiling 
would  crumble  in  ruins  upon  our  heads ; for,  of  the  many  joyous 
shouts  with  which  that  spacious  hall  has  resounded,  such  a one  as 
then  arose  was  never  before  heard  within  its  limits. 

Hardly  less  loud  or  less  cordial  was  the  reception  of  the  toast  of 
our  own  gallant  townsman.  General  P.  F.  Smith,  as  the  rafters  shook 
under  the  shout  that  ascended  on  the  mention  of  his  name. 

The  General,  evidently  affected,  rose  and  made  a very  neat  and 
pretty  speech,  which  he  concluded  with  the  following  sentiment : 

“The  Citizens  of  New  Orleans  — Unsurpassed  for  their  Hospi- 
tality, Intelligence  and  Enterprise.” 

The  health  of  General  Johnston  was  received  with  great  applause, 
to  which  he  responded  in  a few  remarks,  and  gave : 

“The  people  of  Louisiana — Who  know  so  well  how  to  welcome 
home  a Hero  from  the  recent  scenes  of  his  Glory.” 

General  Taylor,  with  the  Mayor  and  city  dignitaries,  left  at  an 
early  hour,  to  visit,  agreeably  to  previous  arrangements,  the  different 
theatres.  Colonel  Labuzan,  the  Grand  Marshal  of  the  day,  took 
the  chair,  and  the  festivities  of  the  evening  were  continued  under 
him. 

The  General  first  visited  the  St.  Charles,  then  the  American,  and 
latterly  the  Orleans ; at  all  of  which  he  was  received  with  thunder- 
ing  applause,  by  crowded  audiences. 

The  St.  Charles  Hotel  was  brilliantly  illuminated,  and  displayed 
many  excellent  transparencies,  with  an  exhibition  of  fireworks. 

Fireworks  were  also  exhibited  at  the  Place  d’Armes  and  Lafay 
ette  Square,  closing  the  highly  interesting  and  exciting  ceremonies 
of  the  day,  of  which  the  above  sketch  is  a very  meagre  one,  and 
can  give  but  a faint  idea  of  the  reality. 

The  magnificent  sword,^  voted  by  the  Legislature  of  Louisiana, 
was  presented  to  General  Taylor  on  the  4th  by  Governor  Johnston. 
Speaking  of  the  speeches  and  imposing  ceremonies  of  the  occasion, 
the  Delta  says  : 

“This  beautiful  speech  of  his  Excellency  was  frequently  inter 


280 


Taylor’s  reception 


rupted  by  the  loud  and  involuntary  applause  of  the  persons  present. 
Its  delivery  was  highly  impressive  and  effective.  The  fine  person, 
manly  and  benignant  countenance,  easy  and  warm  address  of  his 
Excellency,  together  with  his  splendid  uniform,  added  greatly  to 
the  effect  of  this  address.  During  the  delivery  the  old  General 
seemed  deeply  affected,  and  gave  expression  to  the  intensity  of  his 
emotion  by  the  heaving  of  his  chest  and  the  quivering  of  his  lip. 
He  replied,  that  he  felt  so  deeply  this  manifestation  of  the  respect 
and  admiration  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  in  which  he  had  so 
long  resided,  and  was  so  deeply  impressed  by  the  eloquent  compli- 
ments of  the  Governor,  that  he  felt  an  embarrassment  which  ren- 
dered him  almost  speechless.  Had  he  the  talent  and  command  of 
beautiful  language  and  eloquent  thoughts  of  his  friend,  he  might  be 
able  to  express  what  he  really  and  profoundly  felt  — the  warmest 
gratitude  to  the  representatives  and  people  of  Louisiana,  for  this 
testimony  of  their  good  feeling.  Forty  years  spent  almost  exclu- 
sively in  the  camp,  had  disqualified  him  for  the  task  of  the  orator; 
he  would  therefore  content  himself  by  handing  a written  address,  in 
response  to  the  speech  of  his  Excellency.  He  would,  however,  beg 
to  add  a few  words  on  a subject  which  had  been  referred  to  by  the 
Governor:  he  alluded  to  the  large  and  splendid  corps  of  volunteers 
that  had  so  promptly  rushed  to  his  aid,  when  it  was  believed  that 
he  was  in  great  peril  on  the  Rio  Grande.  He  had  always  felt  deeply 
grateful  for  this  timely  reinforcement ; and  it  was  one  of  the  most 
painful  events  of  the  campaign  that  he  was  compelled,  from  a fear 
that  they  would  suffer  by  the  disease  incident  to  camp  life,  and  from 
his  inability  to  lead  them  into  immediate  action,  to  consent  to  their 
return  to  their  homes  and  families.” 

The  following  is  the  written  reply  of  General  Taylor: 

‘‘Governor : — In  accepting  the  magnificent  sword  of  honour 
which  it  has  pleased  the  state  of  Louisiana,  through  her  representa- 
tives, to  confer  upon  me,  I am  sensible  that  no  form  of  words  can 
give  adequate  expression,  to  my  feelings.  To  receive  from  any 
quarter  a testimonial  conveying  such  appreciation  of  services  ren- 
dered, would  be  a reward  enough  for  the  highest  ambition ' — but 
there  are  circumstances  which  give  this  peculiar  value.  The  name 
of  Louisiana  is  identified  with  the  signal  victory  which  crowned  our 
arms  at  the  close  of  the  war  of  1812;  it  again  appears  in  bright 
relief  in  the  Florida  war  — and  among  the  many  associations  con- 


AT  NEW  ORLEANS. 


281 


nected  with  the  victories  which  this  sword  is  designed  specially  to 
commemorate,  none  are  more  grateful  to  my  heart  than  those  which 
call  up  the  glorious  enthusiasm  of  the  Louisiana  volunteers.  If  any 
thing  could  add  weight  to' these  considerations,  it  would  be,  that  in 
Louisiana  I have  many  cherished  personal  friends,  and  that  this  tri 
bute  of  respect  seems  to  come,  not  from  strangers,  but  from  those 
whom  I have  known  from  youth.  It  shall  be  preserved  by  me, 
and  by  my  children,  as  a possession  beyond  all  price. 

“ Through  you.  Governor,  I return  my  heartfelt  thanks  to  the  peo- 
ple of  Louisiana ; and  beg  that  you  will,  at  the  same  time,  accept 
my  warm  acknowledgments  for  the  prompt  and  patriotic  support 
which,  in  your  official  capacity,  you  have  always  extended  to  our 
army  in  Mexico.” 

The  speeches  being  over,  the  general  shook  hands  with  the  gov- 
ernor and  many  of  the  persons  present,  and  then  retired.  Thus 
closed  a scene  which,  for  deep,  solemn,  eapest  interest  and  effect, 
was  never  exceeded  by  any  similar  spectacle  we  have  ever  wit- 
nessed. 

Immediately  after  the  ceremonies  of  offering  the  hospitalities  of 
the  city  to  him,  the  general,  accompanied  by  as  many  persons  as 
could  get  into  the  church,  entered  the  cathedral.  Bishop  Blanc, 
attended  by  his  clergy  in  rich  pontifical  robes,  awaited  the  arrival 
of  the  old  hero,  and  when  he  reached  the  foot  of  the  altar,  addressed 
him  as  follow^s  : — 

General:  — When  the  late  illustrious  hero  of  Chalmette,  after  his 
miraculous  victory,  was  triumphantly  received  in  our  city,  he  came 
into  this  holy  temple  as  you  do  this  day,  to  pay  an  humble  tribute 
of  thanks  to  Him  who  calls  himself,  in  the  Holy  Writ,  “the  God 
of  Hosts,”  thus  acknowledging,  as  you  now  do,  that  it  is  God  alone 
who  dispenses  victories,  according  to  the  unsearchable  designs  of  his 
all-wise  providence.  On  the  present,  as  well  as  on  the  former  occa- 
sion, general,  such  Christian-like  sentiments  could  not  but  elicit,  on 
the  part  of  the  Catholic  clergy  of  New  Orleans,  a cheerful  and  fer- 
vent co-operation  in  the  discharge  of  the  solemn  duty  for  which  we 
are  all  convened  here.  But  while  as  Christian  ministers  we  will 
give  glory  to  C4od  for  the  brilliant  success  of  our  arms  in  the  Mexi- 
can war,  we  may  be  permitted  to  join  with  our  fellow-citizens  in 
the  expression  of  their  admiration  for  the  magnanimous  hero  who, 
raising  with  a film  hand  the  glorious  banner  of  our  country,  traced 

24* 


282 


Taylor’s  reception 


the  way  to  our  undaunted  baud  and  led  them  through  the  hardships 
of  a glorious  war,  to  the  victories  of  Palo  Alto,  Resaca  de  la  Palma, 
Monterey,  and  Buena  Vista. 

Our  admiration,  however,  should  not  be  confined  to  the  mere 
recital  of  your  victories,  for,  indeed,  we  were  all  prepared  to  hear 
that  our  gallant  soldiers  were  invincible  whenever  led  to  the  field 
of  battle  by  one  who  knew  how  to  command  over  them.  What  excites 
our  admiration  most  is  the  spirit  of  consideration  and  magnanimity 
which  you  have  uniformly  displayed  towards  your  defeated  foes. 
By  such  humane  and  generous  course  you  have,  general,  exalted 
the  good  name  of  our  happy  republic,  for  you  have  shown  to  the 
world  that  the  present  war  never  was  intended,  on  our  part,  as  a 
war  of  conquest  or  destruction.  Under  so  glorious  auspices  you 
may  well  retire,  for  a time,  general,  and  while  surrounded  with  the 
admiration  of  the  world  abroad,  you  will  enjoy  at  home  the  respect 
and  love  of  your  fellow-citizens  and  the  gratefulness  of  your  country, 
our  most  fervent  prayer  shall  be  that  Almighty  God  would  bestow 
upori  us,  after  the  wonderful  achievements  and  a prompt  termination 
of  a direful  war,  the  precious  blessing  of  a lasting  and  honourable 
peace ; and  at  the  same  time  that  he  would  pour  upon  you,  general, 
and  upon  all  our  chivalrous  soldiers,  the  choicest  of  his  temporal 
and  eternal  blessings. 

We  extract  the  following  additional  items  from  the  New  Orleans 
Times,  of  the  4th  inst. 

The  committee  of  arrangements,  with  a taste  that  really  brought 
forth  one  burst  of  admiration  from  all  who  contemplated  their  work, 
had  caused  to  he  constructed,  in  honour  of  the  occasion,  a Triumphal 
Arch  in  the  middle  of  the  Place  d’Armes,  seemingly  on  the  model 
of  those  far-famed  arches  of  antiquity,  the  monuments  of  the  glory, 
the  taste,  and  the  science  of  past  ages ; and  of  dimensions,  as  w^e 
judge,  equal  to  the  colossal  structure  of  the  same  kind  at  Paris,  at 
the  Barrier e de  VEtoile.  The  summit  was  crowned  with  an  eagle, 
richly  gilt ; in  front  and  rear,  just  under  the  entablature,  extending 
the  whole  length,  were  the  words  “ Welcome  and,  on  the  other 
parts,  the  names  of  the  great  battles  which  General  Taylor  had 
won,  from  the  opening  of  the  present  war.  The  American  flag,  of 
course,  floated  from  the  summit;  a profusion  of  brush,  or  evergreen, 
gave  it  a beautiful  verdant  appearance  ; and  some  young  pines  were 
placed  erect  on  the  top,  flanking  the  ever-glorious  stars  and  stripes. 


AT  NEW  ORLEANS. 


283 


Through  the  central  arch,  the  hero  was  conveyed  to  the  cathedral, 
modestly  expressing  his  deep  sense  of  the  attachment  of  his  fellow- 
citizens,  thus  so  conspicuously  evinced. 

At  night,  in  each  square  of  the  municipalities,  a grand  exhibition 
of  fireworks  took  place,  which  attracted  thousands  of  our  fellow-citi- 
zens of  both  sexes,  affording  an  apt  conclusion  to  a most  brilliant 
day,  such  as  a free  people,  proud  in  the  consciousness  of  its  sove- 
reignty, is  ever  happy  to  accord  to  a public  benefactor. 

General  Taylor,  accompanied  by  a considerable  number  of  friends, 
including  his  staff,  members  of  the  committees,  &c.,  visited  succes- 
sively the  St.  Charles,  the  American,  and  the  Orleans  theatres, 
where  he  was  enthusiastically  received  by  crowded  audiences. 
The  orchestra  at  each  place  of  amusement  played  the  national  airs. 
The  ladies,  for  here  they  are  in  their  appropriate  places,  in  point  of 
display,  for  grace  and  the  thousand  nameless  charms  incident  to 
beauty  in  full  costume,  dispensed  their  applause  without  stint,  on 
the  veteran  champion  of  their  clime  and  race. 

The  Delta,  noticing  his  visit  to  the  St.  Charles  theatre,  says: 

The  act — the  exquisite  yet  peculiar  French  politeness — of  Made- 
moiselle Dimier,as  he  took  his  seat  in  the  St.  Charles,  was  indeed  de- 
serving of  all  praise.  The  brave  old  general  paid  much  attention  to  her 
“ poetry  of  motion,”  and,  on  the  execution  of  a favourite  pirouette, 
threw  to  her  on  the  stage  a bouquet  which  he  held  in  his  hand. 
The  amiable  young  French  woman,  determined  not  to  be  outdone 
in  courtesy,  selected  one  — the  best  from  a shower  of  boquets  flung 
to  her  on  the  stage,  and  with  a respectful  courtesy  presented  it  to 
the  laureled  chief.  He  looked  at  the  moment  as  if  he  had  gained 
a Buena  Vista  victory  on  the  field  of  beauty. 

The  same  paper  thus  describes  the  personal  appearance  of  Gen 
eral  Taylor  and  his  military  family  : 

We  found  the  general  looking  as  sturdy  and  hardy  as  ever.  His 
long  campaign  has  somewhat  reduced  him  in  flesh,  but  still  he  looks 
healthier  and  younger  than  when  he  passed  through  our  city  some 
two  years  and  a half  ago.  That  good-natured,  honest,  and  yet  de- 
termined expression,  still  characterizes  a face  in  which  symmetry 
and  comeliness  are  not  sought  after  and  therefore  not  missed — a face 
browned  and  roughened  by  the  exposure  of  a long  and  trying  cam- 
paign, during  which  he  has  never  slept  beneath  a roof  or  within 
walls.  The  general  was  dressed  in  his  usual  plain  and  rather  well- 


284 


RECEPTION  OF  TAYLOR. 


worn  undress  uniform,  simple  glazed  cap,  and.  wore  his  brigadier’s 
sword.  His  aids  are  two  fine-iooking,  intelligent  young  officers. 
Major  Bliss,  whose  name  is  so  familiar  to  the  public  as  the  constant 
companion  of  the  old  hero  through  all  his  battles  and  campaigns, 
has  a face  indicative  of  a reflective  and  meditative  order  of  mind, 
rather  than  of  those  military  talents  which  he  is  known  to  possess. 
But  his  manners  have  the  off-hand  ease  and  self-possession  of  the 
accomplished  and  experienced  officer.  Captain  Eaton  is  a younger 
looking  officer,  of  manly  bearing  and  intelligent  countenance. 
Colonel  Belknap,  who  was  distinguished  in  the  late  war,  and  also 
in  the  battles  of  Palo  Alto  and  Resaca,  where  he  commanded  a bri- 
gade, and  where  he  led  the  gallant  8th  Infantry  in  their  charge 
upon  the  enemy’s  cannon,  is  a large,  portly  gentleman,  who  looked  ' 
as  if  he  could  wield  a broadsword  with  most  destructive  effect.  His  « 
aid.  Captain  Clark,  is  a young  and  very  handsome  officer,  who  has  .< 
attained  to  considerable  distinction  in  the  army  for  his  valour  and  ' 
talents. 

, On  the  5th  the  general  left  New  Orleans  in  the  steamboat  Mis-  ; 
souri  on  his  way  to  Baton  Rouge.  After  remaining  a short  lime 
with  his  family,  it  is  his  intention  to  visit  his  country-seat  on  the 
Mississippi,  and  remain  there  in  readiness  to  depart  for  Mexico, 
should  his  services  again  be  required.  ; 

The  following  item  of  news  contains,  perhaps,  the  highest  com-  j 
pliment  ever  conferred  upon  General  Taylor : | 

General  Minon  is  at  Guatemala  with  five  hundred  cavalry,  act- 
ing  as  a corps  of  observation  for  General  Filisola,  whom  he  repre-  ^ 
sents  as  being  in  San  Luis  with  nine  thousand  troops.  It  is  rumored 
that  Filisola  intends  to  march  upon  Saltillo,  in  consequence  of  Gen- 
eral Taylor  having  left  the  country.  The  Mexicans  have  great 
confidence  in  this  officer,  and  the  people  of  San  Luis  were  presum- 
ing  largely  upon  the  weakness  of  our  forces,  when  once  from  under^ 
the  guidance  of  the  dreaded  Taylor.  They  seem  not  at  all  dispirited^ 
by  the  loss  of  their  capital,  but  evince  as  strong  a determination  as  4 
ever  to  continue  the  conflict.  2 


790  Z 


